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Conservation genetics of the endangered depressed river mussel, Pseudanodonta complanata , using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers
Author(s) -
Skidmore Richard,
Leach Christopher,
Hoffman Joe,
Amos William,
Aldridge David
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
aquatic conservation: marine and freshwater ecosystems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.95
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1099-0755
pISSN - 1052-7613
DOI - 10.1002/aqc.1131
Subject(s) - biology , amplified fragment length polymorphism , population , biological dispersal , endangered species , inbreeding depression , gene flow , conservation genetics , ecology , genetic diversity , effective population size , inbreeding , isolation by distance , evolutionary biology , metapopulation , genetic drift , population genetics , reproductive isolation , zoology , genetic variation , genetics , microsatellite , gene , allele , demography , sociology , habitat
1. Genetic analysis is increasingly recognized as a key tool for understanding demography, and is particularly useful for describing patterns of gene flow between putative populations. Most effort has been directed towards vertebrate systems, where any one study often benefits from marker development in related species. The greater diversity of invertebrate taxa presents a challenge, but amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers offer a solution, yielding high levels of polymorphism and no prior knowledge of a species' genome. 2. AFLP markers have been used to analyse an unusual metapopulation of an invertebrate, the endangered freshwater mussel, Pseudanodonta complanata , sampled from river systems across the UK. This was done to assess the extent to which individual river systems were genetically isolated from one another. 3. The results show patterns of weak genetic differentiation across the UK, with one hydrologically isolated population in the south west showing clear genetic differentiation from the rest of the country. However, the UK population as a whole exhibits significant isolation by distance, particularly when one population subject to fish stocking is removed, this population probably being seeded with mussel glochidia larvae which use fish as vectors. Genetic estimates of inbreeding reveal a complicated pattern in which inbreeding peaks at intermediate densities. High‐density populations may be genetically diverse due to their size, while the lowest density populations may represent transient groups of emigrants from other, larger populations. 4. The findings show that limited gene flow does exist between some but not all river systems. The isolation of the south‐west population indicates that dispersal is variable and should not be assumed to be present. Waterways that remain hydrologically isolated may require special attention in conservation programmes as they can harbour genetically distinct populations. The balance between river management activities and conservation priorities therefore needs careful consideration. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.