Analisi della variabilità genetica di <i>Patella ferruginea</i>, <i>Patella ulyssiponensis</i> (Mollusca: Gastropoda) e <i>Pinna Nobilis</i> (Mollusca: Bivalvia): il contributo dei dati olecolari alla conservazione di specie minacciate = Analysis of the genetic variability of <i>Patella ferruginea</i>, <i>Patella ulyssiponensis</i> (Mollusca: Gastropoda) and <i>Pinna nobilis</i> (Mollusca: Bivalvia): contribution of molecular data in threatened species conservation studies

Abstract

All around the planet the endangered species are precipitately disappearing as direct or indirect results of anthropization. In spite of it these species now require human assistance to improve their chances of survival and population recovery. Genetic resources play an important role as the amount of genetic diversity may influence the extinction risk, and hence they require an appropriate management. Conservation genetics encompasses genetic management of these threatened populations, resolution of taxonomic uncertainties and the use of molecular tools in order to study genetic patterns or processes that informs conservation efforts. Mitochondrial DNA partial sequencing, DNA fingeprinting by means of ISSR markers (Inter Simple Sequence Repeats), RFLP-PCR and genotyping of microsatellites and DNA barcoding were used to quantify the patterns and the amount of genetic diversity at both intra- and inter-specific level. The following articles (published, accepte, submitted or in prep.) illustrate the use of these molecular tools to investigate genetic structuring in the whole distribution range of Patella ferruginea, Patella ulyssiponensis and Pinna nobilis, three threatened species of molluscs (two gastropod and a bivalve respectively) endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. Finally, we have also studied the variability of allochthonous Ruditapes phillipinarum recently introduced in Sardinia