Title: A Thorny Issue: Adaptive Divergence In The Thornback Ray Raja Clavata

The thornback ray Raja clavata is common to the varying environments in European waters. Although its dispersal is limited, it occupies a range of habitats along a considerable latitudinal gradient, factors which may contribute to genetic differentiation and local adaptation. Studies employing solely neutral molecular markers, whilst usefully determining population history and connectivity, may overlook important functional traits under strong environmental selection such as body shape, colouration and armour. We have contrasted the variation in these distinct morphological characteristics with neutral genetic divergence in a number of populations to assess the extent of evolutionary adaptation at both local and broader geographic scales.