Biology subjects

Mock, K. E.

Publications and source records attributed to Mock, K. E..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2018

qPCR assays for the detection of two western North American freshwater mussel species, Anodonta nuttalliana and Anodonta oregonensis, from environmental DNA

We developed species-specific quantitative PCR assays for the detection of two freshwater mussel species native to the western North America, Anodonta nuttalliana and Anodonta oregonensis, from environmental DNA. These species have experienced dramatic declines over the last century, and are currently threatened in many portions of their range. Improved tools for detecting and monitoring these species are needed. Species-specificity and sensitivity of the assays was empirically tested in the lab, and both assays were also validated with field collected eDNA samples. We found that the assays we designed are species-specific, sensitive, and are effective for detecting Anodonta nuttalliana and Anodonta oregonensis from environmental DNA samples collected from streams and rivers. These assays will aid in the detection, monitoring, management, and conservation of these threatened species.

zoology↗

bioRxiv2017

Quantitative PCR assays for detection of five Alaskan fish species: Lota lota, Salvelinus alpinus, Salvelinus malma, Thymallus arcticus, and Cottus cognatus from environmental DNA

The North Slope of Alaska contains arctic fish populations that are important for subsistence of local human populations, and are under threat from natural resource extraction and climate change. We designed and evaluated four quantitative PCR assays for the detection of environmental DNA from five Alaskan fish species present on the North Slope of Alaska: burbot (Lota lota), arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma), arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus), and slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus). All assays were designed and tested for species specificity and sensitivity, and all assays detected target species from filtered water samples collected from the field. These assays will enable efficient and economical detection and monitoring of these species in lakes and rivers. This in turn will provide managers with improved knowledge of current distributions and future range shifts associated with climate and development threats, enabling more timely management.

zoology↗