Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Structure of Eight Populations of Nerita yoldii along the Coast of China Based on Mitochondrial COI Gene

Simple Summary: The mitochondrial COI gene as a molecular marker is widely used in genetic diversity and population genetic diversity analysis. In this study, mitochondrial COI was used to analyze the genetic diversities of eight populations of Nerita yoldii along the coast of China. The results showed that N. yoldii has a high level of genetic diversity, with genetic structure differences observed between the Xiapu population and six other populations, excluding the Taizhou population. The results of neutral tests and nucleotide mismatch analyses indicate a historical demographic expansion in the N. yoldii population. Our study results provide foundational data for the conservation and sustainable utilization of N. yoldii resources. Nerita yoldii is a euryhaline species commonly found in the intertidal zone. To investigate the genetic diversity of 233 N. yoldii individuals from eight locations along the coast of China, we utilized the mitochondrial COI gene as a molecular marker. A total of 34 haplotypes were detected, exhibiting a mean haplotype diversity (Hd) of 0.5915 and a mean nucleotide diversity (Pi) of 0.0025, indicating high levels of genetic diversity among all populations. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that the primary source of genetic variation occurs within populations. In addition, neutral tests and mismatch analyses suggested that N. yoldii populations may have experienced bottleneck events. Moderate genetic differentiation was observed between Xiapu and other populations, excluding the Taizhou population, and may be attributed to the ocean currents. Intensively studying the genetic variation and population structure of N. yoldii populations contributes to understanding the current population genetics of N. yoldii in the coastal regions of China. This not only provides a reference for the study of other organisms in the same region but also lays the foundation for the systematic evolution of the Neritidae family.