South American homogeneity versus Caribbean heterogeneity: population genetic structure of the western Atlantic fiddler crab Uca rapax (Brachyura, Ocypodidae)

The majority of marine species, including fiddler crabs, are thought to be genetically homogeneous due to their planktonic larval stages. However, recent studies have uncovered genetically structured populations in other littoral crabs thriving in mangroves. To determine the population genetic struc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of experimental marine biology and ecology 2013-11, Vol.449, p.22-27
Main Authors: Laurenzano, Claudia, Mantelatto, Fernando L.M., Schubart, Christoph D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Brachyura
Cox1 mtDNA
Crustacea
Decapoda
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gene flow
Genetics of eukaryotes. Biological and molecular evolution
Invertebrates
Marine
Ocypodidae
Planktonic larvae
Population genetics, reproduction patterns
Uca rapax
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Summary:The majority of marine species, including fiddler crabs, are thought to be genetically homogeneous due to their planktonic larval stages. However, recent studies have uncovered genetically structured populations in other littoral crabs thriving in mangroves. To determine the population genetic structure of the widespread mudflat fiddler crab Uca rapax, Smith, 1870 along the western Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, mitochondrial Cox 1 sequence data of seven populations were compared and analyzed. We computed a haplotype network, nucleotide and haplotype diversities and conducted an AMOVA. While the three mainland populations examined (Brazilian states of São Paulo and Pará; Suriname) are genetically indiscernible as expected, populations from four Caribbean islands (St. Martin, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Cuba) showed significantly restricted gene flow among each other as well as compared to the mainland populations. Our data suggest the absence of possible barriers to gene flow between mainland sites, whereas a hindrance to genetic exchange seems to be present between mainland and Caribbean islands as well as among the islands. •Unimpaired gene flow among mainland populations of Uca rapax•Significant gene flow restrictions among Caribbean island populations•Significant gene flow restrictions between island and mainland populations•Higher differences between regions than within regions
ISSN:0022-0981
1879-1697
DOI:10.1016/j.jembe.2013.08.007