Project Summary

This project seeks to further characterize the nuclear population structure of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) nesting in the southeastern United States. Previous genetics studies have demonstrated that sea turtles exhibit complex population structure. Results from mitochondrial DNA markers indicate strong structure among widely spaced rookery matrilines, consistent with female philopatry to a natal region. Nuclear analyses have demonstrated a much lower level of structure among rookeries, suggesting that these rookeries are connected through gene flow via mating between individuals from different rookeries. The goal of this research is to examine the nuclear population structure among approximately twelve nesting sites from the Florida panhandle to North Carolina using a panel of fifteen microsatellite markers developed for this study. There are also plans to address other fine scale questions as they relate to nuclear population structure.

Information

• MS candidate