科研之友
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摘要
The blue mussel (Mytilus spp.) has its origin in Western Europe from where it has spread over both the northern and southern hemispheres showing an anti-tropical distribution. The blue mussel in southern Australia has been genetically identified as Mytilus galloprovincialis. A theory, based on genetic evidence, has been put forward suggesting that Mytilus spp. first arrived in Australia in late Pleistocene through an Atlantic route followed by a more recent second invasion coincident with the arrival of the first Europeans. This is in agreement with earlier archaeological evidence suggesting that Mytilus spp. predates European settlement. In southern Australia, M. galloprovincialis is currently found in restricted environments associated with harbours and marinas raising questions about an earlier arrival. This is in contrast to South Africa where the species is believed to have arrived in the late 1970-ies, and over a relative few years has invaded more than 2000 km of open coast and is considered a significant threat to biodiversity. It is suggested that earlier populations of Mytilus spp. have died out as a consequence of post ice age climate change and that the current species is M. galloprovincialis, which arrived multiple times and places with the arrival of the first European vessels. In the light of the current expansion of blue mussel aquaculture in Southern Australia there appears to be a risk for further dispersal, which may be a significant threat to biodiversity.
- 出版日期2011-11
