Abstract
The analysis of mtDNA restriction fragments from Irish house mice revealed much polymorphism, both within and between populations. Many phenotypes showed geographical localization and there was a strong correlation between geographical distance and genetic divergence. Populations, which are discontinuous and limited to buildings or their vicinity, are apparently the result of short-range migration. Transport by man, with whom the species is closely associated, appears to have negligible impact. There is some evidence of the influence of topographical features on migration and consequent genetic interchange.
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Acknowledgements
We are indebted to R. Deering, P. Purcell, the Irish Wildlife Service, the Traffic Division of the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment, and others who wish to remain anonymous, for permission to trap at the various locations. We should also like to thank Dr I. Montgomery, who caught all the mice from the Craigantlet Farms, and B. Dawson, M. Foster, A. Grainger, E. MacLoughlin, M. Mullen, O. O'Brien and T. Sloan for technical help.
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Ryan, A., Duke, E. & Fairley, J. Polymorphism, localization and geographical transfer of mitochondrial DNA in Mus musculus domesticus (Irish house mice). Heredity 70, 75–81 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1038/hdy.1993.11
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/hdy.1993.11
