Comparative physical mapping in avians and conservation genomics of California condor

Contemporary avian genetics addresses biological questions at the genome-wide level. A classical non-mammalian genetic model, the chicken, is both an important agricultural species and an anchor organism for studying the evolution of vertebrate genomes and developmental mechanisms. The recent first draft of the chicken genome sequence can be used as a reference in comparative mapping. Gene mapping and development of BAC-contig physical maps of other avian genomes will permit comparative alignment of those maps with the chicken sequence. This will provide dense, next generation maps for these species and a platform for future avian genome sequencing, where feasible. We have used OVERGO-based BAC library screening for comparative physical mapping in avian species including turkey, zebra finch and, more recently, California condor. Application of molecular genetic and genomic tools is anticipated to play a conspicuous part in conservation biology and management of wild birds, such as the California condor, an endangered species in which genetic disease may compromise re-population in the wild.