Population genetic structure and historical demography of Saccostrea echinata in the Northern South China sea and Beibu Gulf.

Marine invertebrates, such as oysters, were once thought to form large, panmictic populations with little genetic differentiation due to their high reproductive capacity and dual life stages. However, recent studies have shown significant genetic structuring and moderate gene flow across populations, influenced by factors like ocean currents, historical climate events, and environmental changes. The black-lip oyster (Saccostrea echinata), with its extensive dispersal potential, is ideal for population genetics studies.