Loon Behavior, Genetics & Conservation

This is the longest running project in the lab, with field data and tissue samples dating back into the mid 1990's. Whole genome sequence and low-and high-density RAD-tag sequence data are available for further study by students, as is a potential RNA-seq database. This archive can provide students with opportunities to use NexGen genetic markers to look at questions of natal philopatry, population subdivision (and inbreeding), natural selection, and more. Currently our collaboration with colleagues at UCLA and Boston University aims to use high density SNP markers to uncover connections between wintering, migrating, and breeding loon populations.