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Projects > G - I > GOSGEN

Preferred term

GOSGEN  

Definition

  • The main aim of the study is to reach a better understanding of the evolutionary history and genetic diversity of Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua). The main colonies of gentoo are on the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Kerguelen Islands; smaller populations are found on Macquarie Island, Heard Islands, South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. The key problems to be solved are the problems of the analysis of genetic variability and genetic structure of populations, the level of genetic diversity, the problems of adaptation to Antarctic environment and ecological impact on genetic structure of populations. We are planning to investigate populations of gentoo from the most southern to the most northern with several intermediate groups. Birds will be weighted, measured and blood samples will be collected. The analysis of progeny number per nest will be carried out also; this parameter for tourist-visited and non-visited populations will give some figures on tourism impact on gentoo reproduction. The main objectives of this project are: 1. To evaluate the level of phenotypic and genotypic variability. 2. To study the genetic structure of penguins' populations. 3. To estimate genetic and phenetic differences between populations and between the two subspecies (P. p. ellsworthii and P. p. papua). In addition, we also intended to: 1. Measure possible genotype-phenotype correlation. 2. Investigate the genotype-dependent level of environmental impact on instability of genome and instability of individual development. 3. Evaluate the impact of tourism on breeding success by comparing visited and non-visited populations. The average levels of heterozygosity, polymorphism and the number of alleles per locus will be calculated as parameters of genetic variability. The data on frequencies of alleles and genotypes will be obtained for each studied population. It will help to ascertain the genetic structure of populations and calculate genetic distances among populations. The following populations may be studied: Islands: Petermann, Wiencke, Livingston, Signy, Falklands, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands. We intend to collect data from tourist-visited and non-visited nestings. Existing data suggest the little or non significant effect of disturbing gentoo populations by tourist groups on breeding performance. Nevertheless, the human impact on population may cause changing its gene pool. http://classic.ipy.org/development/eoi/details.php?id=379 (en)

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https://gcmd.earthdata.nasa.gov/kms/concept/d24e321a-2b01-4686-a9ef-657e656a0258

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