Genetic Diversity in Franklin’s Ground Squirrels
Project scope
Categories
Data analysis Environmental sustainability Scientific researchSkills
gel electrophoresis field surveys geneious (bioinformatics software) management polymerase chain reactionThe project aims to characterize mitochondrial genetic diversity in historical and contemporary individuals of Franklin’s ground squirrels. Currently this species is listed as “data deficient” in the province of Alberta, meaning that there is not enough information to determine if it is declining and in need of protections. Genetic information, coupled with other information from field surveys and community observations, can help to fill this information gap and help guide management decisions.
The student will generate and analyze genetic sequence data for Franklin’s ground squirrels. This includes PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, PCR clean up, and analysis of the sequence using software such as Geneious Prime. Final sequence files will be used to assess genetic diversity using metrics such as allelic diversity and number of haplotypes. These metrics will then be compared between historical samples (collected before 1990) and contemporary ones (collected in 2023) to see if they have changed over time.
The student will be provided with hands-on mentorship and training in all laboratory and data analysis methods. Space for lab work will be provided in the Biology Research Lab (5-175), along with all chemical reagents. Software for data analyses will also be provided.
About the Community Partner
The Biological Sciences major includes two streams of study—molecular/cellular biology and ecology/environmental biology. Our dedicated faculty members, program of study and facilities provide opportunities for students to study life from its smallest to its grandest forms, both inside and outside the classroom. Newly constructed facilities include a microscopy suite, a tissue culture facility, a histology centre and a small aquatics room with freshwater and marine tanks. During spring and summer terms, the five undergraduate teaching laboratories are used by faculty and students for research activities. Experiential learning opportunities include a 300-level Tropical Rainforest Ecology course, which includes an 18-day field trip to Ecuador where students can experience a variety of ecosystems including the Amazonian lowland rainforest, the Andean cloud forest and the Galapagos Islands.
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