Genetic structure of giant clam (Tridacna maxima) populations from reefs in the Western Coral Sea

摘要: Allozyme variation at six polymorphic loci was examined in 10 populations of Tridacna maxima from reefs the Western Coral Sea, to test whether patterns relatedness previously reported for foraminiferan reflected a fundamental structuring fauna region. Genetic distances (Nei's D) among T. ranged 0–0.065 and increased with increasing geographical separation. No significant differences gene frequencies were observed within two groups identified by cluster analysis: Great Barrier Reef (GBR), offshore excluding Lihou Osprey. Significant genetic these outliers Osprey consistent greater separation between areas than areas. There no evidence differentiation along north-south axis as Marginopora vertebralis, nor did on Queensland Plateau form well-defined group that genetically distinct GBR. The M. vertebralis do not appear reflect biota pattern compared those may be due several biological characteristics species. time breeding particular influence extent which divergence East Australian Current restricts larval dispersal central Plateau.