Genetic Structure of the Endangered Coral Cladocora caespitosa Matches the Main Bioregions of the Mediterranean Sea.

ABSTRACT: Population connectivity studies are a useful tool for species management and conservation planning, particular of highly threatened or endangered species. Here, we evaluated the genetic structure and connectivity pattern of the endangered coral Cladocora caespitosa across its entire distribution range in the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, we examined the relative importance of sexual and asexual reproduction in the studied populations and their genetic diversity. A total of 541 individuals from 20 localities were sampled and analysed with 19 polymorphic microsatellite markers. Of the genotyped individuals, 482 (89%) had unique multilocus genotypes. Clonality percentages of the populations varied from 0% (in eight populations) to nearly 69% (in one population from Crete). A heteroz

SUBMITTER: Repulles M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9360616 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature