Genetic diversity in marine benthic organisms of the Windmill Islands, East Antarctica

Project aim

Genetic diversity in benthic marine species of the Windmill Islands region of East Antarctica has not been well studied. This project will determine the level of genetic variability within two representative benthic marine species, (the macroalgal species Desmerestia menziesii (J Agardh) and Plocamium cartilagineum (Linnaeus)) using genetic markers known to be effective in other temperate and Antarctic macroalgal species. Data analysis will indicate whether various locations within this region represent isolated populations of each of these two macroalgal species or one continuous population. The effect of human impact on the level of genetic variability will also be estimated.