Sam Stroupe
Texas A&M University
PhD Student, Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Biomedical Sciences PhD Program
Precipitation and Management as Drivers of Northern Bobwhite Populations
Currently, I am developing a Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) based test for parentage in North American bison. This new genomic technology offers a more in-depth evaluation of this species and higher statistical power for determining true parentage.
Using SNP based technology, we can look at hundreds of markers across the genome compared to previously used microsatellites which evaluated less than 30 genetic markers.
Using this genomic technology, we will work with the National Parks System and a private herd to get a broad view on population specific breeding structure and success among herds with various effective population sizes, management strategies, age structures and herd history. With a more in depth look into these aspects of bison population genetics this knowledge can be used to help determine the best management practices for the conservation of this important North American species. Information we will be able to gather from these genomic based approaches allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of overall genetic health for important bison herds.
