Genetic population structure of Littorina brevicula around Korean waters

Abstract

Because Korean waters are influenced by different minor current systems, this may lead us to expect certain genetic differentiation among populations of marine invertebrates around Korean coastlines. To test this idea, we examined the genetic differentiation of 14 populations of a widely distributed marine gastropod, Littorina brevicula, using mtDNA markers, cyt b and ND6. Sequencing analyses of 500 bp fragment of the cyt b and 501 bp of the ND6 mtDNA revealed the existence of 14 and 24 haplotypes, respectively. Geographic association with population genetic variability was tested using a nested clade analysis (NCA). However, no significant association between geography and haplotype distribution was found, which suggests the existence of a high level of gene flow of L. brevicula around Korean waters. The lack of genetic structure and likely high gene flow among these populations, even under influences of different minor current systems, may be accounted for long periods of dispersal of the planktonic larvae from this gastropod species within major currents on the north western Pacific Ocean.