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MEPS
Marine Ecology Progress Series

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MEPS 351:151-161 (2007)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps07145

Dispersal vs. retention: correspondence of species-specific reproductive cycles and settlement periods in a blue mussel hybrid zone

Matthew R. Gilg1,*, Sarah E. Kirby2, Rebecca Sullivan2, Loren W. Knapp2, Thomas J. Hilbish2

1Department of Biology, University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA
2Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29202, USA
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ABSTRACT: While long distance dispersal of planktotrophic larvae in marine organisms has traditionally been considered the norm, several recent studies have shown that local retention of larvae and hydrodynamic barriers to dispersal often exist. This study focuses on the question of whether genetically distinct populations within a blue mussel hybrid zone typically exchange larvae or if larvae are often retained within the population of origin. Larvae were tracked to their point of settlement using a genetic marker and analyzed for correlations with differential timing of reproduction and settlement among 3 genetically distinct populations (Mytilus edulis, M. galloprovincialis and hybrid). Correspondence of allele frequencies to local reproduction and settlement suggest that larvae settling within the M. edulis and the hybrid zone populations originated from those locations. On the other hand, larvae settling within the M. galloprovincialis populations often contain significant proportions of immigrants from the hybrid zone. The observed patterns are consistent with previous studies of the local hydrodynamics, suggesting that physical barriers to dispersal often exist and result in retention of larvae.


KEY WORDS: Larval dispersal · Retention · Mytilus · Hybrid zone


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Cite this article as: Gilg MR, Kirby SE, Sullivan R, Knapp LW, Hilbish TJ (2007) Dispersal vs. retention: correspondence of species-specific reproductive cycles and settlement periods in a blue mussel hybrid zone. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 351:151-161. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps07145

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