Comparative analysis of two populations of the brittle star Amphiura filiformis (Echinodermata : Ophiuroidea) with different life history strategies using RAPD markers

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was applied to individuals of Amphiura filiformis sampled from two geographic locations that have pre viously been reported to have different life history strategies. Of thirty- one 10-mer RAPD primers screened initially, four were chosen and used in a comparative analysis of A. filiformis individuals collected from Galway Bay (Ireland) and Concarneau Bay (France). The results show much variation wit hin A. filiformis populations. Although there are some rare alleles particu lar to each population, overall the populations were not genetically differ entiated with the methods employed. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that a minimum of 93% of genotypic variance occurred among individua ls within populations. The statistical significance of this pattern was sup ported by permutation tests. F-ST values were not significantly different f rom and UPGMA cluster analyses based on three distance metrics did not sepa rate the two populations.