Genetic Differentiation and Phylogenetic Relationships of an Avian Family, Alcidae (Auks)

Abstract

Electrophoresis was used in the analysis of 24 protein loci to clarify the genetic differentiation and phylogenetic relationships among 12 species of 10 alcid genera. The intraspecific genetic variation, expressed as the average heterozygosity, was 0.019, a little lower than the avian average. The genetic distances between the Alcidae, however, were somewhat higher than the avian average: 0.151 for species and 0.442 for genera. This gives genetic support to the current classification of the Alcidae. By comparative analysis of genetic differentiation among alcid species, this family can be divided into two main groups, Alcinae and Fraterculinae. The results of this study of genetic relationships generally support current classification based on morpho-anatomical and ecological studies. However, two points still remain for further analysis: one is genetic similarity between Uria lomvia and Cepphus carbo, and the other is genetic affinity between Aethia cristatella and Cyclorrhynchus psittacula.