Research on genetic diversity and population structure of Capitulum mitella in the Western Taiwan Strait based on mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences

Abstract Capitulum mitella is an important species in the intertidal ecosystem and in the economy in China. This study explored the genetic diversity and population structure of C. mitella using mitochondrial 16S ribosomal subunit (16S rRNA) gene sequences. The researchers sequenced a 527 bp fragment of 16S rRNA from 390 samples collected from six localities along Western Taiwan Strait and identified 45 distinct haplotypes with an average haplotype diversity ( h ) of 0.451 and an average nucleotide diversity ( π ) of 0.00124. The pairwise statistics and AMOVA indicated a lack of significant population structure. The results indicated a recent expansion of the population of C. mitella in the study area. This expansion, combined with the species’ high dispersal capabilities, limited physical barriers, and the influence of oceanic currents, may be the factors contributing to its current phylogeographic structure. This study provides particularly important information for managing and protecting the resources of C. mitella in Southern China.