Estimating the State of Population Gene Pools of the Specially Protected Helicopsis striata (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Pulmonata) Species Based on DNA Markers

Abstract—Based on DNA markers (RAPD and ISSR), the state of gene pools of nineteen populations of the specially protected relict Helicopsis striata (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Pulmonata) species in conditions of the Central Russian Upland south was studied. The data obtained demonstrate a high degree of subdivision of the population (Ф_st = 0.404, G_st = 0.358) and an increased level of homozygosity in a number of groups inhabiting the industrial zone and steppe biotopes. A significant correlation between the intensity of the gene flow and geographical distances between populations (R = 0.571 ± 0.052) was registered; this corresponds to isolation by the distance model. The effective size values calculated based on the subdivision indices were significantly lower than the similar effective size of the background mollusk species.