Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Thalassas, cilt.40, sa.1, ss.115-123, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
In this study, the genetic structure and phylogeny of the European flounder (Platichthys flesus L.) was investigated through the analysis of three mitochondrial gene sequences: COI, 16S rRNA, and cyt-b with specimens collected from the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea. In addition, available mtDNA sequences of P. flesus with known geographic information (from the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the White Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea) were retrieved from the GenBank database and included in phylogenetic analysis to increase resolution. The Black Sea is comprised of a geographically isolated European flounder population. Among analyzed mtDNA sequences, cyt-b sequence appeared to be more informative for detecting genetic differentiation at population level whereas 16S rRNA sequence was the less informative. The maximum likelihood trees generated based on COI, 16S rRNA, and cyt-b sequences suggested the presence of distinct European flounder population in the Black Sea, separating it from the European flounder populations from the rest of the geographic regions. Similarly, the highest genetic distances were obtained between the Black Sea population and the rest of the populations. The low salinity level of the Black Sea and narrow straits that connect the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea may function as an effective barrier that restrict gene flow and larval dispersal. We suggest designation of the Black Sea European flounder population as an evolutionary significant unit.