Variations of the mitochondrial control region sequence in whale sharks ( Rhincodon typus) from the Gulf of California, Mexico

Abstract

A highly variable fragment of the mtDNA control region of the whale shark was sequenced to investigate genetic population structure at three localities in the Gulf of California. We found high levels of variation with 14 haplotypes among 36 individuals ( h = 0.90, π = 0.005). AMOVA analysis did not detect significant structuring among Gulf of California whale sharks ( P > 0.12, Φ ST 0.029), which indicates a single, highly mobile population. Genetic analysis, along with field observations, suggests natal philopatry of female whale sharks in the Gulf of California.