Phylogeography of an Estuarian Calanoid Copepod; Acartia tonsa in the Texas Gulf of Mexico

Author

Nicole J. Figueroa, 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. David Hicks

Second Advisor

Dr. Daniel Provenzano

Third Advisor

Dr. Erin Easton

Abstract

The calanoid copepod, Acartia tonsa is one of the most abundant and well-studied estuarian species. However, the idea that this cosmopolitan species has unrestricted dispersal and high gene flow has been challenged. In this study, a more holistic picture of the phylogeography of A. tonsa was developed using the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase one (mtCOI). Multiple new lineages were found in the Texas Gulf of Mexico that are basal to Northeastern Atlantic lineages. Connectivity was also observed between Brazil and the Texas Gulf of Mexico. The revised phylogeny shows a clear pattern of cryptic speciation as the species made a northward expansion since the last glacial cycle during the Pleistocene epoch. These data show that A. tonsa is a model species for observing phylogeographical structuring along the American continent.

Comments

Copyright 2017 Nicole J. Figueroa. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/phylogeography-estuarian-calanoid-copepod-i/docview/2015051058/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Figueroa, Nicole J., "Phylogeography of an Estuarian Calanoid Copepod; Acartia tonsa in the Texas Gulf of Mexico" (2017). Theses and Dissertations. 222.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/222