Insights into Subterranean Connectivity within the Aquifer of the Yucatán Peninsula: Population Genetics and Distribution of Typhlatya species.

Author

• Gabrielle Vaughn, Texas A&M University- San AntonioFollow

Date of Graduation

Fall 12-16-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology, Natural Sciences

Thesis Chair

Dr. Elizabeth Borda

Abstract

Species of the anchialine cave-dwelling shrimp genus Typhlatya (Atyidae) are broadly distributed among karst aquifers and coastal karst subterranean estuaries (KSEs) worldwide, where groundwater is salinity stratified. In the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, five Typhlatya species are currently reported: T. pearsei, T. mitchelli, T. dzilamensis, and two undescribed species Typhlatya sp. A, and sp. B. While T. pearsei, T. mitchelli, Typhlatya sp. A, and sp. B. have mainly been recorded from low-salinity waters (< 5 psu), T. dzilamensis is a salinity generalist restricted to KSEs. This study investigated the population genetic structure of three Typhlatya species across 43 inland, coastal, and marine caves throughout the Yucatan Peninsula and Belize. Mitochondrial (COI, 16S rRNA, CYTB) and nuclear (ITS, 28S rRNA) markers revealed species-specific population genetic diversity patterns. Haplotype networks indicated high diversity, with both site-specific and regional haplotypes. Notably, T. pearsei and T. dzilamensis exhibited clear regional genetic structure, whereas T. mitchelli displayed broader connectivity across geographically distant sites.

Recommended Citation

Vaughn, Gabrielle, "Insights into Subterranean Connectivity within the Aquifer of the Yucatán Peninsula: Population Genetics and Distribution of Typhlatya species." (2025). Masters Theses (Archived). 54.
https://digitalcommons.tamusa.edu/masters_theses/54