Microsatellite evidence for high frequency of multiple paternity in the marine gastropod Rapana venosa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Inferring of parentage in natural populations is important in understanding the mating systems of a species, which have great effects on its genetic structure and evolution. Muricidae, a large group (approximately 1,600 species) of marine gastropods, are poorly investigated in patterns of multiple paternity and sperm competition based on molecular techniques. The veined Rapa whelk, Rapana venosa, a commercially important muricid species with internal fertilization, is an ideal species to study the occurrence and frequency of multiple paternity and to facilitate understanding of their reproductive strategies.

Methodology/principal findings

We developed five highly polymorphic microsatellites in R. venosa and applied them to identify multiple paternity in 19 broods

SUBMITTER: Xue D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3900555 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature