Genetic homogeneity in face of morphological heterogeneity in the harbor porpoises from the Black Sea and adjacent waters
Journal: bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
Year: 2019

Abstract Isolated from North Atlantic populations, the Black Sea harbor porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena relicta ) is listed as Endangered due to the massive population decline triggered by historical hunting, and subsequently through fisheries bycatch, and other human activities. Of paramount importance for its conservation, is the characterization of the population structure. While morphological heterogeneity suggested population subdivision, previous genetic studies have failed to find any differ