Gene flow and genetic diversity of a broadcast-spawning coral in northern peripheral populations.

ABSTRACT: Recently, reef-building coral populations have been decreasing worldwide due to various disturbances. Population genetic studies are helpful for estimating the genetic connectivity among populations of marine sessile organisms with metapopulation structures such as corals. Moreover, the relationship between latitude and genetic diversity is informative when evaluating the fragility of populations. In this study, using highly variable markers, we examined the population genetics of the broadcast-spawning coral Acropora digitifera at 19 sites in seven regions along the 1,000 km long island chain of Nansei Islands, Japan. This area includes both subtropical and temperate habitats. Thus, the coral populations around the Nansei Islands in Japan are northern peripheral populations that would be

SUBMITTER: Nakajima Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2886843 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature