Abstract
Large Busycon whelks are used in physiological research and are key predators in shallow water marine communities in eastern North America. Allozyme analysis of 16 loci in Busycon carica (knobbed whelk), B. sinistrum (left-handed or lightning whelk), and the closely related outgroup Busycotypus spiratum (pear whelk) was performed. Striking differences in within-species genetic differentiation were observed. Geographic variation in B. carica is moderate (FST = 0.051). In B. sinistrum, however, FST is 0.625, suggesting the existence of either highly distinct subspecies or unresolved species. The pattern of genetic variation in B. sinistrum may be congruent with that in other taxa that have experienced Gulf-Atlantic and eastern-western Gulf vicariance events. The data are compatible with an evolutionary rate of 0.046 Nei D/million years.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
