Publication details
Contrasting patterns of variation in urban populations of Cepaea (Gastropoda: Pulmonata): a tale of two cities
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2009 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Biological Journal of the Linnean Society |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Genetics and molecular biology |
| Keywords | colonization; habitat stability; polymorphism; urban ecology |
| Description | The shell colour and banding polymorphisms in urban populations of Cepaea snails were studied in Sheffield (England) and Wrocław (Poland), which are two cities of similar size. Spatial autocorrelation analyses revealed only vaguely defined local clusters. There was a greater degree of among-population variation in Sheffield, and more cases of extreme frequencies and low levels of polymorphism. Wrocław populations were more uniform and highly polymorphic. These differences can be related to the history of these snails in each city. Wrocław has held Cepaea populations for at least 100 years, and they are denser and more continuous. Shaded habitats are recent and temporary; the overall pattern of variation matches that seen in open habitats in districts elsewhere in which variation with habitat is apparent, and values of FST also correspond. Population history and the character of dispersal clearly affect the patterns of variation observed. |
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