Retention versus drift: genetic population structure of Cod Icefishes and Crocodile Icefishes in the Scotia Sea

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Genetic diversity, population structure and phylogeography of Antarctic fish (Notothenioidei, Teleostei) across the Scotia Ridge shall be determined by investigating mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences and microsatellite markers of selected species. Our current studies have shown low genetic differentiation for species with protracted pelagic larval phases but that gene flow may be highly directional. Further comparative analyses between species with differing life-history strategies will examine the role of larval modes and larval phase durations in population structuring. In general, knowledge on population genetic structure is important for the preservation of biological diversity as well as to improve our understanding of evolutionary pathways such as the influence of geography, hydrography and reproduction mode on dispersal and speciation in the Antarctic environment.