Molecular Phylogenetics of Endangered Loggerhead Populations of Crete

Title

Molecular Phylogenetics of Endangered Loggerhead Populations of Crete

Creator

Lego, Erika

Abstract

Marine turtles represent one of the most anatomically peculiar categories of animals, falling into two big taxonomical classifications, the Dermochelyidae and the Cheloniidae. The loggerhead Caretta caretta turtles belong to the Carettini division of the Cheloniidae family of Testudines. This thesis examined the genetic diversity of loggerhead turtles based on the genetic structure of a population of marine turtles from six nesting areas of Crete, Greece. This was a laboratory-based research project for which 95 individuals from Mediterranean grounds of the island of Crete were sampled and examined with the application of different molecular analysis and bioinformatics methods. From a conservation standpoint, as the subject of study is a threatened species, it is important to understand and research origins, migration pathways and nesting sites to comprehensively determine a conservation plan. Despite considering ecological importance, management, diversity and economy, conservation projects play an important role in shaping communities as there is a common ethical responsibility to preserve ecosystems and wildlife, part of the legacy for future generations.

Keywords

evolutionary biology

imperiled species

stewardship

Subject

Interdisciplinary

Date Available

June 11, 2024

Type

Poster

Course

HEL 2602, Honors Thesis II

Course Offering Term

Fall Semester 2023

Instructor

Valahas, Michael

Session

Honors Creative Projects