Comment on "Population size does not influence mitochondrial genetic diversity in animals".
Bazin et al. (Reports, 28 April, 2006, p. 570) found no relationship between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diversity and population size when comparing across large groups of animals. We show empirically that species with smaller populations, as represented by eutherian mammals, exhibit a positive correlation between mtDNA and allozyme variation, suggesting that mtDNA diversity may correlate with population size in these animals.
Mulligan
Connie J
CJ
Department of Anthropology, Box 103610, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. mulligan@anthro.ufl.edu
Kitchen
Andrew
A
Miyamoto
Michael M
MM
D000818:Animals; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D007448:Invertebrates / Q000235:genetics; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D008322:Mammals / Q000235:genetics*; D011156:Population Density
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial; D007527:Isoenzymes