Morpho-genetic variability of native and adventitious populations of the Brephulopsis cylindrica (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Enidae)

Abstract

The population structure of the terrestrial mollusc Brephulopsis cylindrica (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Enidae) in the native area (Crimea Peninsula) and out of its borders (two adventive groups in the city of Belgorod) was studied on the basis of conchometric characteristics and analysis of polymorphic allozyme loci. For all the morphometric parameters statistically significant differences were found between the studied groups. In all studied populations a high level of intra-population genetic variability was revealed ( Fit = 0,401). At the same time, the considerable variability of the conchological parameters and the high level of allelic polymorphism at a number of loci identified in adventitious colonies create the prerequisites for successful adaptation to new conditions and further expansion of the species range in urbanized areas.