Outbreeding Depression as a Cost of Dispersal in the Harpacticoid Copepod, Tigriopus californicus

The costs of dispersing can be evaluated in terms of genetic expenses. These costs are associated with outbreeding depression. In the supralittoral zone of the rocky shore, both outbreeding depression and inbreeding depression may be important in determining whether an organism should disperse. These genetic costs were investigated in the harpacticoid copepod, Tigriopus californicus, which inhabits supralittoral pools. Matings between individuals from different pools were performed in the lab. The results suggest high costs to dispersing.