Conservation Genetics of a Critically Endangered Limpet Genus and Rediscovery of an Extinct Species
2011
Rediscovery of a Critically Endangered Freshwater Limpet
Sample size: 10
publication
10 minutes
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Ó Foighil Diarmaid, Li Jingchun, Lee Taehwan, Johnson Paul, Evans Ryan, Burch John B.
Primary Institution: Museum of Zoology and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of Michigan
Hypothesis
Is the critically endangered limpet Rhodacmea filosa still extant in the Mobile River Basin?
Conclusion
Rhodacmea filosa is not extinct and persists in a Coosa River tributary.
Supporting Evidence
- Rhodacmea filosa was rediscovered in a tributary of the Coosa River.
- Genetic analyses confirmed the taxonomic validity of Rhodacmea filosa.
- Three surviving populations of Rhodacmea represent distinct evolutionary lineages.
Takeaway
Scientists found a freshwater limpet thought to be extinct still living in a river, which is great news for its survival.
Methodology
The study involved genetic and morphometric analyses of limpets from different populations.
Limitations
The sample size was small, limiting the ability to perform more detailed statistical analyses.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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