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Article: Conservation genetics: using genetic technology to study endangered mountain gorilla populations. (Medical Science and Health Poster Session 09:00 AM-10:00 AM).(Abstract)
- Article from:
- The Ohio Journal of Science
- Article date:
- March 1, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Ohio Academy of Science. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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BOARD 25
Poaching, human-transmitted diseases, habitat destruction, and decreasing biodiversity threaten the future of the mountain gorillas of the Virunga Mountains of Africa. Researchers have located the primary sites of biodiversity on the genetic level, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). MHC diversity has been found to correlate with health, behavior, and reproductive habits (i.e. mate choice). Preliminary studies have shown that the mountain gorilla population is relatively homozygous at the MHC loci when compared to humans, and this lack. of diversity at the gorilla MHC genes is cause for concern and grounds for research in the area of conservation ...