Investigating the genetic variation and structure of a native unionid mussel in the Laurentian Great Lakes following an invasion of dreissenid mussels

摘要: Despite massive population declines in the open waters of Lake St. Clair due to invasive dreissenid mussels, River Delta has persisted as a refuge habitat for native unionid mussels. This study was conducted determine how Dreissena-induced might have impacted genetic structure species. Nine variable microsatellite markers were used assess Fatmucket mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) across 18 sites (n = 341 individuals) within delta and four its tributaries. Results indicate that Fatmuckets various bays tributaries show limited differentiation by geographic distance but still represent single with evidence recent gene flow, little among sampling sites, relatively high allelic richness at all supporting bottleneck. The is most common species found poor health connectivity this indicated dire situation less imperiled same habitats. Because did not appear be case, can assumed about other