RAPD profiles distinguish Paracentrotus lividus populations living in a stressing environment (Amvrakikos Gulf, Greece)

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was performed to assess genetic markers of Paracentrotus lividus populations living in stressing environment in the Amvrakikos Gulf (Western Greece, Ionian Sea) where two populations distinguishable in body size, smaller than the open sea ones, were detected. The UPGMA dendrogram, constructed from pairwise ? st values among population nuclear DNA markers, revealed that the small and medium-sized populations living inside the Amvrakikos presented a lower polymorphism, and form a cluster that shows the genetic distance with normal-sized populations (Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas) living in open sea. AMOVA analysis indicated a genetic distance among the sea urchin populations from the Tyrrhenian sea and Ionian sea.