Genetics of potamopyrgus antipodarum (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia): Evidence for reproductive modes1

Abstract

Individuals from six bisexual and six unisexual populations of Potamopyrgus antipodarum were examined electrophoretically, in order to determine their mode of reproduction. Extensive genetic variation within populations was revealed at four of seven presumptive loci, with no differences between unisexual and bisexual populations being observed. In addition, extensive heterogeneity was observed for both reproduction types. Examination of the genotypes of parents and offspring indicated that individuals from bisexual populations reproduced sexually whereas those from unisexual populations demonstrated ameiotic parthenogenesis. © 1989 Crown.