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  • Genetic structure of amphi-Atlantic Laminaria digitata (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) reveals a unique range-edge gene pool and suggests post-glacial colonization of the NW Atlantic
    Publication . Neiva, J.; Serrao, Ester; Paulino, Cristina; Gouveia, Licínia; Want, Andrew; Tamigneaux, Éric; Ballenghien, Marion; Mauger, Stéphane; Fouqueau, Louise; Engel-Gautier, Carolyn; Destombe, Christophe; Valero, Myriam
    In the North-east (NE) Atlantic, most intertidal fucoids and warm-temperate kelps show unique low-latitude gene pools matching long-term climatic refugia. For cold-temperate kelps data are scarcer despite their unique cultural, ecological and economic significance. Here we test whether the amphi-Atlantic range of Laminaria digitata is derived from past glacial survival (and vicariance) in both NE and North-west (NW) Atlantic refugia (as suggested by niche modelling), or post-glacial (re)colonization (as suggested by low mtDNA divergence). We screened 14 populations from across the species range for 12 microsatellite loci to identify and map major gene pools and refugia. We assessed if NW Atlantic survival was supported by unique endemic variation, and if genetic diversity and structure were, as predicted from larger hindcasted glacial ranges, higher in the NE Atlantic. Microsatellite data subdivided L. digitata into three main genetic groups matching Brittany, northern Europe and the NW Atlantic, with finer-scale sub-structuring within European clusters. The relatively diverse NE Atlantic lineages probably survived the Last Glacial Maximum along unglaciated periglacial shorelines of the Armorican and Celtic Seas (Brittany cluster) and Ireland (northern European cluster), and remain well differentiated despite their relative proximity. The unique Brittany gene pool, at the contemporary European rear edge, is projected to disappear in the near future under high greenhouse gas emission scenarios. Low allelic diversity and low endemism in the NW Atlantic are consistent with recent post-glacial colonization from Europe, challenging the long-standing hypothesis of in situ glacial survival. Confusion with Hedophyllum nigripes may have led to underestimation of regional diversity of L. digitata, but also to overestimation of its presence along putative trans-Atlantic migration routes. Partial incongruence between modelling and genetic-based biogeographic inferences highlights the benefits of comparing both approaches to understand how shifting climatic conditions affect marine species distributions and explain large-scale patterns of spatial genetic structure.
  • Ocean currents shape the genetic structure of a kelp in southwestern Africa
    Publication . Assis, Jorge; Neiva, J.; Bolton, John J.; Rothman, Mark D.; Gouveia, Licínia; Paulino, Cristina; Mohdnasir, Hasliza; Anderson, Robert J.; Reddy, Maggie M.; Kandjengo, Lineekela; Kreiner, Anja; Pearson, Gareth; Serrao, Ester
    Aim Drivers of extant population genetic structure include past climate-driven range shifts and vicariant events, as well as gene flow mediated by dispersal and habitat continuity. Their integration as alternative or complementary drivers is often missing or incomplete, potentially overlooking relevant processes and time scales. Here we ask whether it is the imprint of past range shifts or habitat connectivity driven by oceanographic transport that best explain genetic structure in a poorly understood model, a forest-forming African kelp. Location Southwestern coast of Africa (Benguela current region). Taxon Laminaria pallida. Methods We estimated genetic variability along the species distributional range using 14 microsatellite markers. This genetic variability was compared to estimates of past range shifts derived from species distribution modelling for the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), the mid-Holocene (MH) and the present, and estimates of habitat connectivity derived from oceanographic biophysical modelling. Results The species is structured in two clusters, a southern cluster with much richer (allelic richness A: 10.40 +/- 0.33) and unique (private alleles PA: 56.69 +/- 4.05) genetic diversity, and a northern cluster (A: 4.75 +/- 0.17; PA: 6.70 +/- 1.45). These clusters matched well-known biogeographical regions and their transition coincided with a dispersal barrier formed by upwelled offshore transport. No major range shifts or vicariant events were hindcasted along the present range, suggesting population stability from the LGM to the present. Main conclusions Habitat connectivity, rather than past range shifts, explains the extant population structure. Future environmental requirements of the species along the Benguela upwelling system are projected to persist or even intensify, likely preserving the observed genetic patterns for the years to come. Yet, the differentiation and endemicity between clusters, and the isolation structured by the regional oceanography, implies high conservation value for genetic biodiversity, and even more if considering the ecological, social and economic services provided by kelp forests.