Genetic Diversity of Kemp's Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) Sea Turtles on South Padre Island, Texas

Author

Hilary R. Frandsen, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

12-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Diego Figueroa

Second Advisor

Dr. Richard Kline

Third Advisor

Dr. Karl Berg

Abstract

In 2010, researchers observed an abrupt decline in nesting numbers of the Kemp’s ridley following 35 years of positive growth. In wake of this halt, and subsequent lowered nesting averages, evaluation of the genetic diversity of remaining individuals is relevant to investigate the plausibility of a genetic bottleneck, and determine the reproductive stability of the Kemp’s ridley.

Here, I evaluate the genetic diversity within a sampling of the Kemp’s ridleys on South Padre Island using two methods: targeting the mitochondrial control region and targeting the complete mitochondrial genome. Opportunistic samples were donated from juvenile ridleys on the East coast, and from adult ridleys along the northern Gulf of Mexico. Here, I present the first complete Kemp’s ridley mitochondrial genome and discuss the geographic distribution of haplotypes present within the current population. Finally, I compare the depth of analysis achieved via targeting the full genome or by the control region sequence.

Comments

Copyright 2017 Hilary R. Frandsen. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/genetic-diversity-kemps-ridley-i-lepidochelys/docview/2014469543/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Frandsen, Hilary R., "Genetic Diversity of Kemp's Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) Sea Turtles on South Padre Island, Texas" (2017). Theses and Dissertations. 196.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/196