Influencing Factors on Genetic Distance in the Florida Scrub-jay

by Adam Knutson

Submitted : Fall 2012

The Florida scrub-jay, a non-migratory bird endemic to the state of Florida, is particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction and fragmentation. One of the impacts resulting from fragmentation is the separation, and possible isolation, of scrub-jay populations. The goal of this project is to analyze the influence of factors such as group size and distance between populations on the genetic distances of the birds. Using the results of the project, conservation biologists can apply new mechanisms in the effort to protect the threatened scrub-jay.

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