Spatial autocorrelation analysis among populations of <i>Codium fragile </i>revealed by allozymes

Abstract

The spatial autocorrelation of allelic frequencies and geographical distances were studied at a natural population of <i>Codium fragile</i> in Korea. Within the <i>C. fragile</i> population, a strong spatial structure was observed for allozyme markers, indicating a very low amount of migration among subpopulations. The species showed a significant positive spatial autocorrelation as measured by Moran's <i>I</i>. Genetic similarity of individuals was found among subpopulation at up to a scale of 250 m distances. This was partly due to a combination of allelic frequencies. Hence a significant spatial autocorrelation was composed of a scale of 250 m intervals. The distribution of allelic frequencies of <i>C. fragile</i> at eleven Geoje Island subpopulations in Korea was related to mating systems such as sexual reproduction. Present study demonstrates that analysis of allozyme markers can successfully be used to study the spatial structure and genetic structure of <i>C. fragile</i>.