New model predicts marten age based on genetic material

Description

Researchers developed a Bayesian network model that can be used to predict the age of martens based on chromosomal evidence and other environmental factors. This is the first model of its kind–calibrated and tested with empirical data–that can accurately predict a marten's age by using hair samples or other genetic material collected without actually trapping the animal.

Citation

Pauli, J.N.; Whiteman, J.P.; Marcot, B.G. [et al.]. 2011. DNA-based approach to aging martens (Martes americana and M. caurina). Journal of Mammalogy. 92(3): 500-510.