A Review of Microsatellite Markers and their Application on Genetic Diversity Studies in Parrots

Abstract

The ability of a population to adapt to a changing environment depends on\rits genetic variation. Thus, the study of genetic diversity within and among\rspecies or populations is especially important on conservation biology scopes.\rOne way to assess the genetic diversity is through the use of microsatellite\rmolecular markers. Microsatellites have been widely used to answer population\rgenetics issues as gene flow, parentage, and population structure, mostly\rresulting in data on the distribution of genetic\rvariability within and among natural populations, which are essential for ex situ and in situ conservation procedures. As the Psittacidae family comprehends one of the birds\rgroup with the largest number of endangered species, studies that aim to investigate\rthe genetic diversity of these animals may support their conservation. This\rarticle is a review of genetic data on parrots, through the use of\rmicrosatellite markers, that have been published since 2004.