Natural selection of the major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) in Hawaiian honeycreepers (Drepanidinae)

Author:

Jarvi, Susan I., Tarr, Cheryl L., McIntosh, Carl E., Atkinson, Carter T., Fleischer, Robert C.

Title:

Natural selection of the major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) in Hawaiian honeycreepers (Drepanidinae)

Periodical:

Molecular Ecology

Year:

2004

Volume:

13

Pages:

2157-2168

Subject:

Amakihi Hawaiian honeycreepers Iiwi Drepanidinae

Summary:

The native Hawaiian honeycreepers represent a classic example of adaptive radiation and speciation, but currently face one of the highest extinction rates in the world with the introduction of avian malaria believed to be a major factor that limits the honeycreeper distribution and abundance. This study compares levels and patterns of genetic variation of major histocompatibility complex, (Mhc), class II B chain peptide-finding region and mitocondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequence in four species of Hawaiian honeycreepers. These would be the amakihi (Hemignathus virens), the apapane (Himatione sanguinea), the iiwi (Vestiaria coccinea), and the palila (Loxiodes bailleui) that are all from the island of Hawaii.

Label:

Birds - General

URL:

http://cletus.uhh.hawaii.edu:2074/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2004.02228.x

Date:

August 2004

Collection:

Periodicals