A Practical Introduction to DNA Fingerprinting

This is a practical guide to the use of DNA fingerprinting and related techniques of molecular genetics for applications in the biological sciences. It covers the theoretical background, planning, methodology, implementation, and analysis of DNA profiles for applications such as paternity analysis and analysis of relatedness in field populations of vertebrates. Written especially for scientists with no background in molecular genetics but who are interested in wildlife biology, conservation, demographics and evolutionary and behavioural ecology, this book bridges the gap between the specialized molecular techniques and their practical applications in ecological and evolutionary studies. It is a step-by-step guide combining training exercises, "hands-on" protocols, and detailed background information to give the researcher a guided introduction to the actual use of DNA fingerprinting in her own applications. This book should be of interest to wildlife biologists; conservation biologists; ecologists; population biologists; geneticists and other molecular biologists; and forensic scientists.