Population genetics of the starfish, Linckia laevigata, in the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean

A study of the population genetics of the starfish Linckia laevigata throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Seven allozyme loci (GPI, ENO, HK, LP, LT-1, LT-2, SOD) were examined. Variations in gene frequencies of allozymes and common proteins, as well as mitochondrial D-loop DNA (the Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism - RFLP) were used to estimate connectivity and dispersal between populations in the region.
Genetic differentiation of populations within and among oceans.To determine whether colour morphs were genetically differentiated.
1020 individuals were sampled from 2 sites from each of 10 collection locations (Escape, Evening, Davies, Grub, Lodestone, Holbourne, Tern, Sanctuary, 22112, Sykes) between July 1991 and March 1992.608 individuals were added to the previous set (analyses included all samples). These were collected from 18 localities: Australia (Western Australia - Mermaid, Clerke, Imperieuse, Scott and Serangapatum Reefs - Torres Strait, Burke Reef); Fiji (Dravuni, Suva); Guam (Asan, Luminao); Japan (Sesoko, Okinawa); New Caledonia; Philippines (Bolinao, Dumaguete); Solomon Islands (Gizo, Guadacanal).92 individuals were collected from Thailand (Kuta Beach, Phuket Marine Station, Waeo Island) and South Africa (7 reefs in the St. Lucia and Maputuland Marine Reserves); analyses included previously collected data. These samples were of the orange colour morph and were compared the previous data in which the royal blue morph is predominant.