Multiple Mating Results in Multiple Paternity in Richardson's Ground Squirrels, Spermophilus richardsonii

Authors

  • James F. Hare Department of Zoology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2
  • Glenda Todd Department of Zoology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2
  • Wendy A. Untereiner Botany Department, Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6A9

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v118i1.888

Keywords:

Richardson's Ground Squirrel, Spermophilus richardsonii, mating, microsatellite DNA, multiple paternity, Manitoba

Abstract

Microsatellite DNA primers developed from Columbian Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus) were used to establish paternity in a Manitoba population of Richardson’s Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus richardsonii). Primers resolving variation at six microsatellite loci allowed ascription of paternity to 32 of 85 offspring born among litters of 15 breeding females sampled. While the failure to unambiguously document paternity for all juveniles precludes the use of these data to address questions of sperm competition and male mating success, the results do provide direct evidence that multiple mating by female Richardson’s Ground Squirrels results in multiple paternity within litters.

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Issue

Vol. 118 No. 1 (2004)

Section

Articles

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