On the genetic structure of Ruditapes decussatus (Mollusca Bivalvia) inferred by nuclear and mitochondrial genetic markers

Analyses of 478 polymorphic AFLP loci and about 540 base pairs COI provided an account of genetic variation among Ruditapes decussatus populations from both the French Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean Sea. AFLP analyses of 357 specimens from 17 locations revealed evidence of significant genetic differentiation among populations (Fst = 0.16; P<0.001). Data on COI sequences from Mediterranean and Atlantic populations showed a lower genetic diversity among populations. Mismatch analysis found signatures of past genetic bottlenecks in R. decussatus populations. These findings confirmed the utility of AFLP for population genetic study while indicated that COI sequences, characterized by a lower intraspecific variability, could be more suitable markers for evolutionary studies.