Genetic diversity and connectivity of chemosynthetic cold seep mussels from the U.S. Atlantic margin.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Deep-sea mussels in the subfamily Bathymodiolinae have unique adaptations to colonize hydrothermal-vent and cold-seep environments throughout the world ocean. These invertebrates function as important ecosystem engineers, creating heterogeneous habitat and promoting biodiversity in the deep sea. Despite their ecological significance, efforts to assess the diversity and connectivity of this group are extremely limited. Here, we present the first genomic-scale diversity assessments of the recently discovered bathymodioline cold-seep communities along the U.S. Atlantic margin, dominated by Gigantidas childressi and Bathymodiolus heckerae.

Results

A Restriction-site Associated DNA Sequencing (RADSeq) approach was used on 177 bathymodiolines to examine genetic diversit

SUBMITTER: DeLeo DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9204967 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature