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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Diverse genotypes of the amphibian-killing fungus produce distinct phenotypes through plastic responses to temperature

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Author(s):
Muletz-Wolz, Carly R. [1, 2] ; Barnett, Samuel E. [1, 3] ; DiRenzo, Graziella V. [1, 4] ; Zamudio, Kelly R. [5] ; Toledo, Luis Felipe [6] ; James, Timothy Y. [7] ; Lips, Karen R. [1]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Maryland, Dept Biol, College Pk, MD 20742 - USA
[2] Smithsonian Conservat Biol Inst, Natl Zool Pk, Ctr Conservat Genom, Washington, DC 20013 - USA
[3] Cornell Univ, Sch Integrat Plant Sci, Ithaca, NY - USA
[4] Univ Calif Santa Barbara, Ecol Evolut & Marine Biol, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 - USA
[5] Cornell Univ, Dept Ecol & Evolutionary Biol, Ithaca, NY - USA
[6] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Dept Biol Anim, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[7] Univ Michigan, Dept Ecol & Evolutionary Biol, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 - USA
Total Affiliations: 7
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY; v. 32, n. 3, p. 287-298, MAR 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 4
Abstract

Phenotypes are the target of selection and affect the ability of organisms to persist in variable environments. Phenotypes can be influenced directly by genes and/or by phenotypic plasticity. The amphibian-killing fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has a global distribution, unusually broad host range, and high genetic diversity. Phenotypic plasticity may be an important process that allows this pathogen to infect hundreds of species in diverse environments. We quantified phenotypic variation of nine Bd genotypes from two Bd lineages (Global Pandemic Lineage {[}GPL] and Brazil) and a hybrid (GPL-Brazil) grown at three temperatures (12, 18 and 24 degrees C). We measured five functional traits including two morphological traits (zoospore and zoosporangium sizes) and three life history traits (carrying capacity, time to fastest growth and exponential growth rate) in a phylogenetic framework. Temperature caused highly plastic responses within each genotype, with all Bd genotypes showing phenotypic plasticity in at least three traits. Among genotypes, Bd generally showed the same direction of plastic response to temperature: larger zoosporangia, higher carrying capacity, longer time to fastest growth and slower exponential growth at lower temperatures. The exception was zoospore size, which was highly variable. Our findings indicate that Bd genotypes have evolved novel phenotypes through plastic responses to temperature over very short timescales. High phenotypic variability likely extends to other traits and may facilitate the large host range and rapid spread of Bd. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 16/25358-3 - The chytrid fungus: from its origins to its consequences
Grantee:Luis Felipe de Toledo Ramos Pereira
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants