Experimental interbreeding between geographically separated populations of the marine wood-boring isopod Limnoria tripunctata with preliminary indications of hybrid vigor

摘要: Populations of the marine wood-boring isopod Limnoria tripunctata Menzies were cultivated and interbred in laboratory order to determine whether geographically separated populations would interbreed. Two series interbreeding studies conducted. In first, field from 11 Atlantic Caribbean sites 3 Pacific with a North Western population Beaufort, Carolina (USA). Viable crossings, at least F 1, occurred all but one case—that BeaufortxChatham (Massachusetts, USA) cross. second experiments, 9 crossed St. Teresa, Florida, Gulf Mexico. this case also, crosses except produced viable offspring, not only F 2 generations as well. The Teresa x Chatham cross was successful. Geographic distance factor success crossbreeding between disjunct populations. (mainly) are now believed represent valid previously obscure species, tuberculata Sowinski, variant L. Menzies. Enhanced viality or vigor, determined rate wood destruction, growth survival, indicated several necessarily correlated Observations made on manner which species has achieved worldwide distribution, hypothesis is put forward explain evolution related tripunctata.