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Genetic homogeneity in the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa at its northern Atlantic limit revealed through RAPD

2001; Inter-Research; Volume: 221; Linguagem: Inglês

10.3354/meps221299

1616-1599

Filipe Alberto, Leonardo Mata, Rui Santos,

Marine Biology and Ecology Research

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 221:299-301 (2001) - doi:10.3354/meps221299 Genetic homogeneity in the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa at its northern Atlantic limit revealed through RAPD Filipe Alberto*, Leonardo Mata, Rui Santos Centre of Marine Sciences-FCMA, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8000 Faro, Portugal *E-mail: falberto@ualg.pt ABSTRACT: Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to analyse the genetic variability of the dioecious seagrass Cymodocea nodosa Ucria (Ascherson) in the Ria Formosa lagoon, Portugal, the species¹ northern limit in the Atlantic. Three individuals from each of 6 meadows were genotyped with 28 primers. Meadows described previously as having flower marks were compared with meadows where flowers did not occur. A single polymorphic band, specific for one meadow, was observed in a total of 177 fragments. The lack of genetic variability among meadows both with and without flower indicates that flower production is not associated with a higher level of genetic variation. The genetic homogeneity of C. nodosa in the Ria Formosa suggests a founder effect, produced by a single or a limited number of migrants composing the colonising gene pool. This hypothesis is supported by the geographic isolation from other populations as the nearest populations lie more than 300 km away from the Ria Formosa. The lack of reproductive success of C. nodosa in Ria Formosa natural park and its low genetic variability are important factors in the conservation of this species since recolonisation can only occur through vegetative growth. KEY WORDS: Cymodocea nodosa · RAPD · Genetic variability · Isolated population Full text in pdf format PreviousNextExport citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 221. Online publication date: October 18, 2001 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2001 Inter-Research.