Molecular evolution. Old dead rats are valuable

Ecotypic variation in the context of global climate change: revisiting the rules

Patterns of ecotypic variation constitute some of the few 'rules' known to modern biology. Here, we examine several well-known ecogeographical rules, especially those pertaining to body size in contemporary, historical and fossil taxa. We review the evidence showing that rules of geographical variation in response to variation in the local environment can also apply to morphological changes through time in response to climate change. These rules hold at various time scales, ranging from contemporary to geological time scales. Patterns of body size variation in response to climate change at the individual species level may also be detected at the community level. The patterns underlying ecotypic variation are complex and highly context-dependent, reducing the 'predictive-power' of ecogeographical rules. This is especially true when considering the increasing impact of human activities on the environment. Nonetheless, ecogeographical rules may help interpret the likely influences of anthropogenic climate change on ecosystems. Global climate change has already influenced the body size of several contemporary species, and will likely have an even greater impact on animal communities in the future. For this reason, we highlight and emphasise the importance of museum specimens and the continued need for documenting the earth's biological diversity.

Genetic relationships among North American bison populations

North American bison are presently divided into two subspecies: wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) and plains bison (B. b. bison). A survey was undertaken to determine the distribution of mitochondrial DNA haplotypes among subspecies and populations. Twelve haplotypes were identified with sequence data from the control region of mitochondrial DNA from 32 bison. Mitochondrial haplotypes for 269 bison from nine populations were then determined using the polymerase chain reaction and analyzed for restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Haplotype frequencies suggest genetic distances among bison populations from 0.0715 to 0.362. The extent of differentiation varies considerably. Based on the composition and phylogeny of haplotypes in the bison herds, plains bison form a paraphyletic group and wood bison form a polyphyletic group. Because neither subspecies of bison is derived from one lineage, neither is a well-defined taxon.

US-Canada Great Lakes Regional Specimen Bank Feasibility Study

A study to examine the feasibility of establishing a Regional Specimen Bank in the Great Lakes area of the United States and Canada has recently been initiated by the Michigan Audubon Society. There are several existing formal and informal specimen banking facilities active in the region but their combined adequacy has not been evaluated. This feasibility study will establish the need and use of a regional bank and the institution(s) necessary to satisfy this need will be recommended. The study will address the scope required to meet present and future needs including the types of specimens to be represented in the bank, geographic coverage and protocols for collection, shipping, processing, analysis and storage. A management policy of the bank will be developed encompassing business operation, costs, governing structure and personnel requirements. The legal requirements of the bank will be determined with regards to the acquisition of samples, transport across national boundaries, access to specimens and information, and liability during operation. An effective information dissemination network will be recommended that is compatible with national and international partners, will facilitate technology and information transfer and support the quality and status of the bank. Determination of secure, long-term funding sources will be one of the key elements to ensuring a safe repository. This feasibility study is funded by the Great Lakes Protection Fund.