Global Phylogeography of Styela plicata
Author Information
Author(s): Pineda Mari Carmen, López-Legentil Susanna, Turon Xavier
Primary Institution: University of Barcelona
Hypothesis
What is the genetic structure and global phylogeography of Styela plicata?
Conclusion
The study confirmed that Styela plicata has been present in all studied oceans for a long time, with recurrent colonization events shaping its current genetic structure.
Supporting Evidence
- The Mediterranean populations showed the least genetic diversity.
- The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans had the highest gene and nucleotide diversities.
- Genetic divergence was significant for many population pairs regardless of geographic distance.
Takeaway
Scientists studied a sea creature called Styela plicata to see how it spread around the world, and they found that it has been in many oceans for a long time and has mixed with other populations.
Methodology
The study sequenced two genetic markers (COI and ANT) from 368 individuals collected from 17 locations worldwide to analyze genetic diversity and structure.
Limitations
The study's sampling design may not adequately assess connectivity among closely located populations.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.009
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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