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Colonization strategies and population genetic structure of invasive algae: the genus Caulerpa in the Mediterranean Sea
Caulerpa spp are clonal marine algae, which have been shown to act as invasive species, and reported to outcompete seagrasses. In the Mediterranean, two exotic Caulerpa species, Caulerpa taxifolia (probable introduction via aquaria from Australian sources) and Caulerpa racemosa (migrant from the Red Sea) have spread into areas formally occupied by seagrasses, and there is concern about the potential environmental and economic negative effects on the ecosystem. There is also a native species, Caulerpa prolifera, which opportunistically occupies disturbed Posidonia meadows. Very little is known about the reproductive strategies, clonal diversity and population structure of these species, despite growing concern about their spread as invasive species. The purpose of this project is to examine patterns of clonal growth, clonal structure and genetic composition of recently established populations of Caulerpa taxifolia and Caulerpa racemosa with populations of the native Caulerpa prolifera in the Mediterranean.