Analysis of genetic and phenotypic diversity in Swedish Littorina saxatilis

Extensive research has previously been conducted on two divergent populations of Rough Periwinkle (Littorina saxatilis) in Sweden, investigating the process of separating species. However, this research has been focused on a narrow range of habitats. Without considering the full range of diversity, we cannot know if we are looking at two distinct groups or just the extreme ends of a continuum of diversity. To explore genetic diversity on a broader level, this project uses whole genome sequencing data from 99 random populations of Littorina saxatilis from the Kosterhavets National Park in Sweden. Genetic clustering will be used to identify distinct groups which will then be compared to phenotypic and environmental measurements to build a Littorina saxatilis diversity map.