Heterogeneous microgeographic genetic structure of the common cockle (Cerastoderma edule) in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean: biogeographic barriers and environmental factors.

ABSTRACT: Knowledge of genetic structure at the finest level is essential for the conservation of genetic resources. Despite no visible barriers limiting gene flow, significant genetic structure has been shown in marine species. The common cockle (Cerastoderma edule) is a bivalve of great commercial and ecological value inhabiting the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. Previous population genomics studies demonstrated significant structure both across the Northeast Atlantic, but also within small geographic areas, highlighting the need to investigate fine-scale structuring. Here, we analysed two geographic areas that could represent opposite models of structure for the species: (1) the SW British Isles region, highly fragmented due to biogeographic barriers, and (2) Galicia (NW Spain), a putative homogeneous

SUBMITTER: Vera M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10539317 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature