Data from: A microsatellite-based linkage map for song sparrows (Melospiza melodia)

Although linkage maps are important tools in evolutionary biology, their
availability for wild populations is limited. The population of song
sparrows (Melospiza melodia) on Mandarte Island, Canada, is among the more
intensively studied wild animal populations. Its long-term pedigree data,
together with extensive genetic sampling, have allowed the study of a
range of questions in evolutionary biology and ecology. However, the
availability of genetic markers has been limited. We here describe 191 new
microsatellite loci, including 160 high-quality polymorphic autosomal, 7
Z-linked and 1 W-linked markers. We used these markers to construct a
linkage map for song sparrows with a total sex-averaged map length of 1731
cM and covering 35 linkage groups, and hence, these markers cover most of
the 38–40 chromosomes. Female and male map lengths did not differ
significantly. We then bioinformatically mapped these loci to the zebra
finch (Taeniopygia guttata) genome and found that linkage groups were
conserved between song sparrows and zebra finches. Compared to the zebra
finch, marker order within small linkage groups was well conserved,
whereas the larger linkage groups showed some intrachromosomal
rearrangements. Finally, we show that as expected, recombination frequency
between linked loci explained the majority of variation in gametic phase
disequilibrium. Yet, there was substantial overlap in gametic phase
disequilibrium between pairs of linked and unlinked loci. Given that the
microsatellites described here lie on 35 of the 38–40 chromosomes, these
markers will be useful for studies in this species, as well as for
comparative genomics studies with other species.