|
|
|
Claxton, W. T., E. G. Boulding, and A. Martel, 1996. Field Discrimination of Early Post Metamorphic Stages of Zebra Mussel and Quagga Mussel: Molecular Confirmation of Morphological Characteristics, University of Guelph, Canadian Museum of Civilization Abstract from The Sixth International Zebra Mussel and Other Aquatic Nuisance Species Conference, Dearborn, Michigan, March 1996 Field Discrimination of Early Post Metamorphic Stages of Zebra Mussel and Quagga Mussel: Molecular Confirmation of Morphological CharacteristicsThis paper will examine two methods of species identification for field-caught Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena bugensis, at adult, and post larval stage. A morphometric examination of zebra and quagga mussel adult and post larvae, using light microscopy, was carried out. Morphometric characteristics of both life stages and species were examined and illustrated. Based on differential morphometric characteristics, it was possible to identify zebra and quagga mussels at the adult and post larval stage. In order to confirm that the morphometric differences observed corresponded to a species difference, a restriction enzyme analysis of a gene in the mitochondrial genome of both species of adults, and post-larvae, was carried out. Digestions of this gene revealed that zebra and quagga mussels showed differential restriction patterns at both life stages. This obvious polymorphism allowed easy species identification. In addition to species identification at the adult and post larval stages, this molecular identification method shows promise in identifying zebra and quagga mussel veligers. Since both morphometric and molecular species identification was possible on the same sample, it was possible to compare the validity of each methed. Both proved to be dependable.
Key Words: Zebra_mussel, Quagga_mussels, Basic_biology |