title: Microsatellite diversity in captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).
abstract: The utility of microsatellites for managing captive Tursiops truncatus was investigated. Specifically the level of genetic diversity among the loci examined and their usefulness for resolving paternity was assessed. Overall a relatively low level of genetic variation was found among captive dolphins. In addition, a high percentage of common alleles was found among dolphins belonging to different morphotypes (inshore versus offshore). The implications of these findings are discussed and suggestions are given for the use of genetic markers in captive propagation programs for T. truncatus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-4467, USA.
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Rooney
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Merritt
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Derr
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry; D004289:Dolphins / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D015698:Genomic Library; D006579:Heterozygote; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats / Q000235:genetics*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary