Research Training Program

Meng Keong Choo
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

Mike Braun, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Laboratory of Molecular Systematics

"It is amazing to find so much under one roof. So friendly a place to work, so many friendly people to meet, and so exciting a sea of biological science to immerse yourself in."

Mitochondrial DNA Analysis of Manakin Species Complex in Panama

This project involved the study of the manakin genetic complex in Panama. Specifically, it's aim was to look at the mitochondrial genome of M. candei, M. vitellinus vitellinus, and M. vitellinus cerritus. Since M. v. cerritus is found in a narrow region of only 55 km between the M. candei and M. v. vitellinus distribution areas, the mitotype of these birds had to be analyzed. Also, a determination had to be made about whether M. v. cerritus is a result of hybridization between M. cerritus and M. v. vitellinus, and not a subspecies of M. vitellinus, as it was tradionally considered to be.

This research was supported by a grant from the James Smithson Society.