Genetic structure of two endemic marine invertebrates, Ophionereis schayeri and Cellana tramoserica, along the south-eastern coast of Australia

Abstract

The overarching aim of this thesis is to examine how the genetic structure of two marine invertebrate species in south-eastern Australia is affected by known (documented) drivers for population differentiation in the region. By examining the genetic structure of the subtidal ophiuroid, Ophionereis schayeri (Müller & Troschel, 1844) with a 7-day pelagic larval duration (PLD) and the intertidal gastropod, Cellana tramoserica (Holten, 1802) with a 3-day PLD, the role of PLD and environmental factors (inclusive of biogeographic features) in determining population structure can be evaluated. If PLD is the most important influence on dispersal capacity, an overwhelming signature and similar signature (i.e. the PLD of both species can be considered the same) consistent with PLD of each species should be detected. Hence, populations of both O. schayeri and C. tramoserica should display strong genetic divergence at small spatial scales (

Date of Award	2019
Original language	English