Population genetic differentiation of the ubiquitous brooding coral Pocillopora acuta along Phuket Island reefs in the Andaman Sea, Thailand

BMC Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 23(1)

Опубликована: Авг. 26, 2023

Abstract Background The widespread Indo-Pacific coral species Pocillopora acuta Lamarck, 1816 displays varying levels of asexual versus sexual reproduction, with strong repercussions on genetic diversity, connectivity and structuring within among populations. For many geographic regions, baseline information diversity is still lacking, particularly in the Andaman Sea. region suffered a massive heat-induced bleaching event 2010 high cover loss branching such as P. . A subsequent 2016, however, revealed mild response pocilloporids compared to other taxa region, suggesting that rare, heat tolerant genotypes had been selected by event. In order test whether this potential ‘evolutionary rescue’ has led low we conducted population survey covering total nine different populations (336 individuals) along 50 km coastal stretch around Phuket Island, Thailand. We used six microsatellite markers assess genotypic determine prevalent mode reproduction (i.e. or recruitment). Results contrast Indian Ocean populations, majority corals study adopted (75% across all populations). At same time, substantial regional gene flow was observed Island differentiation indicated three clusters were separated only few kilometers. Patterns isolation distance over 0.7 – 40 suggest small-scale barriers, changing currents throughout each monsoonal season, potentially contributing locally restricted dispersal larvae. Conclusions occurrence distinct short stretches suggests not extreme impoverishment. While more in-depth genomic analyses are necessary investigate changes following events, our results will help guide conservation efforts maintain likely be dominant future, warmer Sea reefs.

Язык: Английский

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Studying the genomics of natural and restored populations of Acropora palmata is crucial for understanding their genetic diversity and the impact of conservation efforts

Research Square (Research Square), Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Июль 3, 2024

Coral reef ecosystems in the Caribbean are on brink of ecological collapse, largely due to significant decline once-abundant populations Acropora species. For this reason, Acropora palmata is now classified as critically endangered by IUCN. In response, restoration programs place, but assessment genomic diversity colonies used for has lagged. We studied genome-wide variation A. using a low-coverage whole genome approach Quintana Roo, Mexico. collected over hundred across reefs spanning 150 km, including one under active efforts. Our analysis based thousands markers, revealed high levels with low clonality. Remarkably, showed genetic comparable natural populations, while just presented decreased variability. results indicate gene flow among subtle patterns differentiation, suggesting limiting geographic isolation. demonstrate that coral from naturally occurring fragments and sexual recruits encompasses sufficient par populations. Therefore, we ascertain current efforts Roo include enough maintain nurseries provide viable long-term restoring decimated Acroporids Mesoamerican reefs.

Язык: Английский

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Moving beyond heritability in the search for coral adaptive potential

Опубликована: Янв. 16, 2023

Global environmental change is happening at unprecedented rates. Coral reefs are among the ecosystems most threatened by global and for wild populations to persist, they must adapt. However, little known about corals’ complex ecological evolutionary dynamics making prediction potential adaptation future conditions precarious. Here, we review process of through lens quantitative genetics make suggestions how incorporating genomic tools can help both understand predict adaptive in corals. In many cases, small changes experimental design may provide large increases power, precision, accuracy information produced predicting changes. We also outline where genetic principles be incorporated into current research programs that aim bolster coral tolerance warming conditions.

Язык: Английский

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Seascape genomics: assisting marine biodiversity management by combining genetic knowledge with environmental and ecological information

Опубликована: Июнь 24, 2023

Biodiversity, including genetic diversity, is the foundation of ecosystems and well-being all organisms, humans. Determining how marine environment shapes diversity developing best practices to conserve it requires a multi-disciplinary approach incorporating genomic environmental information. Seascape genetics genomics combine spatially resolved ecological, data coupled with modeling explore past, present future patterns connectivity. provide scientists managers multi-faceted tool that can be applied across wide range species incorporated into spatial management. Despite known importance incorporation grossly underrepresented in policy, decision-making conservation measures. We aim support understanding access seascape information for management practitioners. explain integrating environment, space, traits, or advance also outline scientific policy context corresponding methodology concepts, exemplified by two specific case studies. Lastly, we review status research discuss challenges, strengths, opportunities providing road map could aid integration

Язык: Английский

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