"Genetic Variability and Gene Flow in Metepeira Ventura (Araneae, Arane" by Martina G. Ramirez
 

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1996

Abstract

Levels of genetic variability and gene flow among three populations of Metepeira ventura o n Santa Catalina Island, California, were evaluated based on variation at 10 gene loci . Mean heterozygosity (observed) per population was 10 .4% and mean polymorphism was 36 .7%, consistent with levels of variabilit y in other arthropods. Values of FST for the five polymorphic loci (mean FST = 0 .009) suggest that gene flow prevents the genetic differentiation of these populations . The average number of migrants per generation (Nm) among these populations is estimated to be 28 .6 . The lack of inter-population genetic differentiation may resul t from aerial dispersal and/or crawling along vegetation by M. ventura . Such similarity may also be due to the more widespread vegetative cover of Santa Catalina prior to overgrazing, which may have physically unite d these populations in the recent past, allowing for gene flow among them .

Original Publication Citation

Ramirez, M. G. & L. B. Fandino. (1996) Genetic variability and gene flow in Metepeira ventura (Araneae, Araneidae). Journal of Arachnology 24: 1-8.

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