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Comparison of population genetic patterns in two widespread freshwater mussels with contrasting life histories in western N orth A merica
Author(s) -
Mock K. E.,
Brim Box J. C.,
Chong J. P.,
Furnish J.,
Howard J. K.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
molecular ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.619
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1365-294X
pISSN - 0962-1083
DOI - 10.1111/mec.12557
Subject(s) - biology , genetic diversity , ecology , population , range (aeronautics) , genetic structure , freshwater bivalve , unionidae , phylogeography , mussel , zoology , microsatellite , bivalvia , genetic variation , mollusca , phylogenetics , gene , biochemistry , materials science , demography , allele , sociology , composite material
We investigate population genetic structuring in M argaritifera falcata , a freshwater mussel native to western N orth A merica, across the majority of its geographical range. We find shallow rangewide genetic structure, strong population‐level structuring and very low population diversity in this species, using both mitochondrial sequence and nuclear microsatellite data. We contrast these patterns with previous findings in another freshwater mussel species group ( Anodonta californiensis/A. nuttalliana ) occupying the same continental region and many of the same watersheds. We conclude that differences are likely caused by contrasting life history attributes between genera, particularly host fish requirements and hermaphroditism. Further, we demonstrate the occurrence of a ‘hotspot’ for genetic diversity in both groups of mussels, occurring in the vicinity of the lower C olumbia R iver drainage. We suggest that stream hierarchy may be responsible for this pattern and may produce similar patterns in other widespread freshwater species.