SREL Reprint #2370

Application of molecular genetic markers to conservation of freshwater bivalves 

Margaret Mulvey1, Hsiu-Ping Liu2, and Karen Kandl3

1Department of Environmental Science, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062
2Southwest Missouri State University, Department of Biology, Springfield, Missouri 65804
3Florida International University Department of Biological Sciences, Miami, Florida 33187

Abstract: Freshwater bivalves (Unionacea) are among the most endangered faunal elements in North America. Molecular genetic studies have much to offer conservation efforts directed to this declining fauna. Molecular genetic data can provide information needed to identify evolutionarily significant units, resolve taxonomic ambiguities, describe population structure, evaluate impacts of habitat fragmentation and reduced gene flow among populations, reconstruct phylogenetic relationships, clarify fish host-glochidia relationships, and provide evidence in legal actions. Molecular genetic techniques and their application to freshwater bivalves are reviewed.

Keywords: Freshwater bivalves, Unionacea, genetics, conservation, molecular markers

SREL Reprint #2370

Mulvey, M., H.P. Liu, and K.L. Kandl. 1998. Application of molecular genetic markers to conservation of freshwater bivalves. Journal of Shellfish Research 17:1395-1405.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).