Genetic connectivity among populations of two congeneric direct-developing whelks varies across spatial scales. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fleming, Angela M.; Dohner, Melanie M.; Phillips, Nicole E.; Ritchie, Peter A.
• Is Part Of: New Zealand journal of marine and freshwater research. Volume 52:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 100
• Page End: 117
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Cominella spp -- population structure -- gene flow -- dispersal -- mitochondrial DNA -- gastropods -- New Zealand; Marine biology -- New Zealand -- Periodicals; Freshwater biology -- New Zealand -- Periodicals; Freshwater biology; Marine biology; New Zealand; Periodicals; 578.77099305
• DOI: 10.1080/00288330.2017.1340899
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1175-8805

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We examined the phylogeographic structure of two congeneric, direct-developing, intertidal whelks endemic to New Zealand, Cominella virgata and C. maculosa . A total of 855 specimens were collected from 23 rocky shore locations and we used them to determine the level of DNA sequence variation at the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. Cominella virgata and C. maculosa have relatively high levels of haplotype diversity but low levels of nucleotide diversity. Sample sites formed regional groups that were composed of genetically differentiated populations, a finding consistent with their limited dispersal abilities. Cominella virgata showed higher levels of regional differentiation than C. maculosa, and there were also species-specific differences in genetic patterns within some regions. Both species exhibited genetic homogenisation among proximate sites within groups, suggesting some dispersal does occur between areas that are not connected by contiguous rocky shore habitat.