Student: Kayleigh Erazmus and Jo Marie Kasinak
Mentor: Professor Kirk Bartholomew
Major: Biology

Project Lim-molecular is a continuing effort to use molecular methods to establish population genetic parameters characterizing the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) population of Long Island Sound.  L. polyphemus is a species of both economic and ecological significance currently listed as a “species of concern” in Long Island Sound and “No Harvest” zones have been established along the north-shore of Long Island Sound in an attempt to stabilize a long-term decline in population size.  However, little hard data characterizing the genetic structure of the north shore population exists upon which to base a sound conservation strategy.  Of particular interest is the question of the genetic homogeneity of the population in this geographic area.  This investigation is a pilot study to determine the feasibility of defining genetically distinct populations along the north-shore of Long Island Sound.  DNA isolated from tissue samples collected from 20 individuals at each of two sites (Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk CT and Cedar Island, Clinton CT) was subjected to microsatellite analysis at four loci.  Data analysis to determine the genetic relatedness of individuals sampled at the two locations will be presented.

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