Population genetics, phylogeny and DNA barcoding of Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Oman Sea (Sistan & Baluchestan province coasts)

In the past, morphological traits were used to classify organisms, but because of the problems encountered in classification using this method, the use of molecular markers was due to its advantages. Mitochondrial markers are one of the best options for the study of phylogenetic relationships. In this study, 10 specimens of green sea turtle were collected from three areas of Chabahar, Govater and Konarak in Sistan and Baluchestan province. After DNA extraction, the samples were sequenced. Sequences were studied using MEGA, BioEdit and Arlequin software. The results showed that based on the phylogenetic analysis of the studied population, all of the samples were placed in three populations. The average distance of the population with the help of P-distance was 0.18. The results of the Clustal W show that the greatest difference between the sequences is at the beginning and the end of the sequence. The amount of haploid variety was zero, and the number of polymorphic sites was zero, which indicates that the difference was not such as to make the species derivative. No recombination has taken place in sequences that are consistent with the nature of the area under study. The results of this study, can be used to study the genetic diversity of marine turtles in different geographical conditions. It can also help to manage this population and prevent extinction. It can also be a good solution to provide a suitable Gene bank for the identification of this species through molecular techniques, especially in cases where only the eggs or meat of this animal is present.