Phylogenetic Analysis of Vernal Pool Brachiopods in California

Funds under this award are to be used to develop an understanding of phylogenetic relationships that will help prioritize conservation of the remaining vernal pool habitants. Phylogenetic analysis will be conducted through the use of samples available from museum archives and collected samples on five species: Branchinecta lynchi, Lepidurus packardi, Linderiella occidentalis, B. conservation, and B. mesovallensis. Standard protocols will be used to collect mitochondrial DNA sequence data and construct individual phylogenetic trees for each species of concern. The trees will be used to examine overall genetic diversity of each species throughout its range, and to provide managers with a map describing areas of vernal pools or vernal pool complexes where maximum numbers of vernal pool branchiopod lineages can be found for each of the five species. This award is made under the authority of: the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et. seq, as amended.