Phylogeography And Population Genetics Of The Carolina Heelsplitter (Lasmigona Decorata) A Critically-Endangered Freshwater Mussel
- ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Victoria Clark Fowler (Creator)
- Institution
- Appalachian State University (ASU )
- Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
- Advisor
- Michael Gangloff
Abstract: The Carolina heelsplitter (Lasmigona decorata) is a federally-endangered freshwater mussel that historically occurred in the Pee Dee, Santee and Savannah basins in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Captive propagation and population augmentation efforts are underway, however the degree of genetic variation existing within these populations is unknown. I obtained non-lethal DNA samples from wild animals and individuals in hatchery facilities to assess genetic diversity and historical gene flow patterns within and among Carolina heelsplitter populations. I generated and examined 93 COI sequences from 6 Carolina heelsplitters populations from the Santee, Pee Dee, and Savannah basins. I found surprisingly low levels of genetic divergence both within and among populations. Three COI haplotypes were identified and two of them were shared among populations in all three river basins. To better understand the evolutionary history of Lasmigona, I re-constructed the phylogeny of this genus to analyze genetic variation within and among all currently-recognized Lasmigona taxa using COI, NDI and 28s markers. Haplotype networks revealed that Carolina heelsplitters are most closely related to the Green floater, a species that is morphologically similar and shares low levels of range-wide genetic diversity.
Phylogeography And Population Genetics Of The Carolina Heelsplitter (Lasmigona Decorata) A Critically-Endangered Freshwater Mussel
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Created on 1/30/2024
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Fowler, V. (2023). Phylogeography And Population Genetics Of The Carolina Heelsplitter (Lasmigona Decorata) A Critically-Endangered Freshwater Mussel. Unpublished Master’s Thesis. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
- Language: English
- Date: 2023
- Keywords
- Freshwater Mussel