In this Doctoral Dissertation Research proposal, the principal investigator and his doctoral student seek support for the study of genetic variation in North American cervids (deer, elk, caribou and moose) both within and between species using the modern techniques of DNA-DNA hybridization of genes that occur within the nucleus and mitochondria (mtDNA) of cells. Supplemental analysis of mtDNA will be carried out using a technique termed restriction enzyme analysis. Specific goals are: 1) to reconstruct an evolutionary history for the 4 North American genera, Alces (moose), Rangifer (caribou), Cervus (elk) and Odocoileus (deer), 2) to determine whether mtDNA and single copy nuclear DNA, which comprises the genes inherited through the nucleus, have comparable rates of evolution within the group and to calibrate the molecular clock against the fossil record, 3) to construct detailed evolutionary histories for populations and subspecies of the several species and to analyze the genetic structure of species populations in context of Pleistocene glacial history and barriers to gene flow (for example, mountain ranges, prairies, etc). This study will help us understand the roles of genetic variation, habitat and history in the origin and preservation of these important game animals and enable us to make informed decisions about their future management.
