Short Communications
Molecular Genetic Identification of Beached Whales in Sri Lanka from Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Data
Authors:
Ranil P. Nanayakkara,
BEAR (Biodiversity Education and Research), LK
About Ranil
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), Crow Island, Colombo 15, Sri Lanka.
H.M.J.C.B. Herath,
BEAR (Biodiversity Education and Research), LK
About H.M.J.C.B.
Postgraduate Institute of Science, P.O. Box: 25, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM), Millenium Drive, New Kandy Road, Malabe, Sri Lanka.
Ruvinda K De Mel,
BEAR (Biodiversity Education and Research), LK
T.G. Tharaka Kusuminda
BEAR (Biodiversity Education and Research), LK
Abstract
In the current study we attempt to identify eight baleen whale carcasses that were washed ashore to the Western, Northwestern and Southern coasts of Sri Lanka in 2010, using molecular phylogenetic techniques. Initial physical examination suggested that these carcasses belonged to blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). Analysis of sequences of the mitochondrial control region from baleen whales confirmed that the samples belonged to blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). However, it was impossible to identify the population of blue whales the individuals belonged to, due to the lack of strong population genetic signals in the mitochondrial control region sequences.
Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 43 (2): 73-78, 2014
How to Cite:
Nanayakkara, R.P., Herath, H.M.J.C.B., De Mel, R.K. and Kusuminda, T.G.T., 2015. Molecular Genetic Identification of Beached Whales in Sri Lanka from Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Data. Ceylon Journal of Science (Biological Sciences), 43(2), pp.73–78. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v43i2.7326
Published on
26 Apr 2015.
Peer Reviewed
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