Microsatellite markers and cytoplasmic sequences reveal contrasting pattern of spatial genetic structure in the red algae species complex Mazzaella laminarioides.

Mazzaella laminarioides is a common haploid-diploid red alga that forms dense beds. This alga has a wide distributional range, covering 3,500 km of the Chilean coast, but is restricted to high rocky intertidal zones. Recently, the existence of three highly divergent genetic lineages was demonstrated for this taxon, and two cytoplasmic markers were used to determine that these lineages are distributed in strict parapatry.