|
| Home | Research | About Gabi Gerlach | Gerlach Lab Members | Contact |
| Population Genetics |
| The results of my former and ongoing population genetic and dispersal projects in small mammals but also in the aquatic environment, for instance in squid, perch, cod, dogfish and several species of coral reef fishes show that spatial distribution of these organisms is far from being random. Apparently, these larvae – small as they are – use elaborate sensory mechanisms to orientate and find their way to appropriate habitats or express successful homing behavior to their natal spawning sites. In behavioral studies we could show that olfactory guidance is essential. Apparently larvae become imprinted on odor cues from either conspecifics or their natal environment and use this for later social preferences and homing behavior. Publications: Buresch K.C., Gerlach G., and Hanlon R.T. Multiple genetic stocks of the longfin squid Loligo pealeii in the NW Atlantic: stocks segregate inshore in summer, but aggregate offshore in winter. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 310, 263-270. McCauley L., Goecker C., Parker P., Rudolph T., Goetz F., Gerlach G., 2004. Characterization and isolation of DNA microsatellite primers in the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). Molecular Ecology Notes 4, 494 – 496. Garner T.W.J., Brinkmann H., Gerlach G., Meyer A., Ward P.I., Spörri M., and Hosken D.J., 2000. Polymorphic DNA microsatellites identified in the yellow dung fly (Scathophaga stercoraria). Molecular Ecology 9, 2207 – 2209. |
|
|