Hayes, K.H.*; Karl, S.A.: Evolution of the �Corona Complex� Within the Genus Melongena (Gastropoda:Melongenidae): Evidence From Internal Transcribed Spacers and Microsatellite Data

Gastropods are an exceptionally speciose and diverse group of marine invertebrates, having undergone numerous adaptive radiations during their long evolutionary history. This diversity combined with their conspicuousness in the marine environment make them ideal organisms for the study of evolution in marine invertebrates. Gastropods in the genus Melongena offer a particularly intriguing opportunity to study the evolution of intertidal invertebrates. Presently, despite the use of traditional morphological analysis in conjunction with data from the current geographic distribution, systematic relationships and the evolutionary history of the �Corona Complex� remain unclear. Additonal techniques will be required to gain a better understanding of the evolution of this species complex. Using Ribosomal internal transcribed spacer DNA sequences and microsatellite allele frequencies we are addressing some of the more difficult questions concerning the evolution within this genus. These data will allow the interpretation of present-day distribution patterns, past and present population parameters and the relationships within the species complex. They also can provide an understanding of the events that have led to these patterns and a clearer assessment of speciation in this marine invertebrate.