Anthropogenic stressors are affecting thermosensitive engineering species like the white gorgonians (Eunicella singularis), causing mass mortality events in the northwest Mediterranean Sea. Assessment of population structure through the use of genetic markers is often conducted, but little is known about the intricacies of subjective allele scoring and sampling effort. Eight datasets were prepared to explore the effect of expertise and subjectivity on allele scoring, and the effect of markers and sampling effort. Each dataset was analysed to obtain a consistent set of genetic diversity metrics and cluster patterns. Relevant datasets were compared to identify significant differences. Our results suggest that a detailed and adaptive allele scoring criteria, along with quality control measures were necessary for reproducible results. Informative markers and sampling sites were crucial for the best interpretation of the population structure. These findings suggest that scaling down of the resources used in population genetic studies are possible and further studies could be established to confirm and correlate this to E. singularis genome size and the potential outcomes when other markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are used.
Managing Thesis and Internship Exchanges
