Mitochondrial genome sequencing of the copepod Leptodiaptomus sicilis group

This project investigates the mitochondrial genome organization of Leptodiaptomus copepod species from central Mexico. We sequenced and analyzed mitogenomes from L. garciai (collected from Lake Alchichica) and four populations of the L. sicilis species group (collected from Lakes Atexcac, El Carmen, La Preciosa, and Quechulac). The primary aim of this study is to identify and characterize the frequency of mitochondrial gene rearrangements within copepoda. This research will provide valuable data for future studies on copepod phylogeny, mitochondrial genome evolution, and the evolutionary history of these ecologically important crustaceans.