Gamete compatibility and reproductive success in the North Atlantic right whale

Abstract

The goal of this project was to assess the influence that genetic characteristics at gamete compatibility genes have on the reduced reproductive rates in the endangered North Atlantic right whale. To do this candidate genes were identified that play a role in fertilization, and primers were developed for the amplification of the putative functional sites of these genes. Mother-father-calf triads were sequenced to test for non-random mating patterns and non-Mendelian inheritance patterns, which would be indicative of mate choice and/or biased fertilization based on the characteristics of these genes. Overall there was low variability across individuals, but a slight bias in mate choice for mates with similar genotypes within loci, but differing across loci. One locus also showed signs of biased fertilization patterns, with successful fertilizations resulting when offspring inherit the same allele from both parents.