Population Genetic Structure of Unionid Mussels Across Multiple Gulf Drainages
Date
2022-12
Authors
Harrison, Matthew
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Abstract
Understanding patterns of genetic differentiation within and across wildlife
populations is a key component to parsing the demographic and ecological processes that
govern the spatial structure and evolutionary trends of a given species. As molecular and
computational techniques continue to advance, these data have become critical tools in
delineating population boundaries as well as informing appropriate management
decisions. This study utilized a genotyping by sequencing (GBS) approach to study the
genetic structure of three Texas state threatened mussel species of family Unionidae:
Pleurobema riddellii (Louisiana Pigtoe), Fusconaia askewi (Texas Pigtoe), and
Potamilus amphichaenus (Texas Heelsplitter). Principal component and admixture
analyses paired with genetic distance estimates (GST) of these species demonstrated clear
interspecific and intraspecific differentiation across separate drainages as well as
indications of isolation within drainages potentially facilitated by geographic barriers
such as river impoundments and local environmental and ecological differences. These
data present an effective approach to modeling genetic structure across a landscape that
allow for precise inferences on population boundaries that inform conservation units
(CU’s) and the management strategies that use them (Funk et al., 2012; Smith et al.,
2021).
Description
Keywords
Mussels, Population, Genetic, Structure, Unionoida, Unionid, Gulf, Drainage, Watershed, Riddellii, Pleurobema, Fusconaia, Askewi, Potamilus, Amphichaenus
Citation
Harrison, M. (2022). <i>Population genetic structure of unionid mussels across multiple gulf drainages</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.