Browsing by Author "McCullough, David A"
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Item An immunoelectrophoretic analysis of the genus Cynomys(Texas Tech University, 1985-08) McCullough, David AUsing the relatively new taxonomic tool of immunoelectrophoresis, I have investigated tha relationships within the genus Cynomys. Antibodies ware generated in New Zealand white rabbits against prairie dogs from two distinct subgenera. Utilization of such divergent taxa within the genus helps make proper interpretation of results possible. Antisara were run against antigen samples from all species in the genus and other sciurid outgroups. Results agreed with current taxonomy in that the species fall into two groups concordant with the presently recognized subgenera. Within the white-tailed group, C. leucurus and C. parvidens were very similar antigenically, whereas C. gunnisoni appeared more distantly related yet retains many of the white-tail characteristics. In the black-tailed group, C. ludovicianus and C. mexicanus appeared antigenically similar, but differed in two characters. No intraspecific differences were observed.Item Molecular and genic systematics of prairie dogs (genus: Cynomys)(Texas Tech University, 1991-05) McCullough, David AIn the past, relationships of taxa of prairie dogs to each other and to other ground-dwelling squirrels were unclear. In this study I used a combination of genie analyses and restriction enzyme fragment patterns of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to analyze the various species and presumed subspecies of Cvnomvs. Outgroup taxa were examined to clarify relationships among these sciurid taxa. Results showed that prairie dogs fall into two distinct groups corresponding to currently recognized subgenera. Within Cvnomvs. five distinct species are recognized, but the subspeeific status of £.. aunnisoni zuniensis and C.. ludovicianus arizonensis is probably not warranted. Analyses also indicated a closer relationship between Cvnomvs and Spermophilus than with the other outgroup taxa. Finally, I present evidence that C.. leucurus may be the primitive taxon for the genus. The hypothesis that it hybridizes with C.. aunnisoni is likely false.