The objective of this project was to investigate the evolutionary relationship and ecological interactions between the two crayfish populations: O. virilis and O. quinebaugensis. These two populations were compared genetically by examining the COI mitochondrial gene and a microsatellite-containing nuclear locus, and morphologically by measuring the chelae and curvature of the male gonopods. Mating trials were used to determine whether there are reproductive barriers between the populations other than geographic isolation. The results of this project suggested that these two crayfish populations are in the process of speciation. However, since some interhaplotype mating trials were successful, introgressive hybridization may occur in nature where the crayfish cohabitate.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Becker, Maggie Aileen
• Mulhern, Timothy J.
• Perry, Michele Alyceson

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-043009-124426

Advisor

• Buckholt, Michael Allan
• Mathews, Lauren M.

Year

• 2009

Date created

• 2009-04-30

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2021-01-06