Multiple paternity in wild common shrews (Sorex araneus) is confirmed by DNA-fingerprinting.
We have tested for the occurrence of multiple paternity in wild common shrews by karyotypic analysis and DNA-fingerprinting of five wild-caught females and their litters. Karyotypic data suggest that some litters were sired by more than one male, but provide no definitive evidence. By using DNA-fingerprinting, it was possible to establish that two males sired the litter of two females. The present report shows that multiple paternity is not a rare phenomenon in the common shrew and by using DNA-fingerprinting it is possible to assign individual offspring to different male parents even when none of the putative fathers are available for inspection.
Tegelström
H
H
Department of Genetics, Uppsala University, Sweden.
Searle
J
J
Brookfield
J
J
Mercer
S
S
D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting; D005260:Female; D007621:Karyotyping; D008297:Male; D010334:Paternity; D011247:Pregnancy; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal; D012788:Shrews / Q000235:genetics*
D004247:DNA