GENETIC-DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 2 ALLOPATRIC POPULATIONS (OR SIBLING SPECIES) OF THE POLYCHAETE GENUS MARENZELLERIA IN EUROPE

Genetic variation and differentiation in introduced European populatio ns of the spionid polychaete Marenzelleria viridis were studied by enz yme electrophoresis. Major differences exist between the North Sea and Baltic populations, although the genetic structure within each of the m is largely homogeneous. Nine loci were studied, five of which are of diagnostic value. The genetic distance between the North Sea populati on and the Baltic population is 0.891-0.897. Genetic differences of th is extent suggest that the Marenzelleria populations found in the Nort h Sea and Baltic Sea are two different species.