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Thesis
SPECIATION IN TWO CLOSELY RELATED SPECIES OF THE STARFISH LUIDIA
University of West Florida
Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida
2011
Abstract
Recently established species Luidia lawrencei was compared to Luidia clathrata in order to determine whether their recent separation is supported by behavioral and physiological responses, as well as genetic differences. Behavior was assessed by recording choice of substrate for burial among four grain sizes (125, 250, 500 and 1000 ìm). Physiological responses were assessed by recording changes in activity level as a response to acute reduction in salinity. Genetic homology was assessed using segments within the cytochrome oxidase I (COX-I) mitochondrial gene. Substrate preference trials suggested that Luidia clathrata has a preference towards smaller grain sizes, while no definite preference was found for Luidia lawrencei and no significant difference was found between the species. Salinity trial results indicated that Luidia lawrencei is more active at salinities 25 psu and higher, while Luidia clathrata is more active at salinities lower than 25 psu. Mitochondrial genome comparison returned over 99% homology among these species. While the sediment and salinity data indicate a difference in responses to habitat differences, the COX-I genetic result is strong evidence that does not support the recently proposed separation of these species contrary to what has been previously published.
Details
- Title
- SPECIATION IN TWO CLOSELY RELATED SPECIES OF THE STARFISH LUIDIA
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Publisher
- University of West Florida
- Format
- text
- Identifiers
- 99380090755106600
- Academic Unit
- Biology
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Master of Science (MS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida