Towards the understanding of genetic and morphological variations of a highly abundant seaweed-associated marine invertebrate

Author(s)

Longo, Pedro Augusto dos Santos ; Azevedo-Silva, Marianne ; Mansur, Karine Ferreira Ribeiro ; Marinho, Thais Aparecida ; Madeira, Andre Guilherme ; de Souza, Anete Pereira ; Hirota, Shun K. ; Suyama, Yoshihisa ; Mori, Gustavo Maruyama ; Leite, Fosca Pedini Pereira

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE; v. 309, p. 16-pg., 2024-10-07.

Abstract

Unraveling the patterns of genetic structure and demographic history of marine species, as well as the factors that shape their genetic variations, is fundamental for informing conservation strategies for species and their environments. In this work, we investigate the current population structure and historical demographic patterns of the conspicuous seaweed-associated amphipod Hyale niger at a fine spatial scale in the subtropical SW Atlantic coast, in Brazil, by using both genome-wide and mitochondrial DNA markers. We also investigate how geographic distance, current oceanographic conditions, and variations in a key morphological trait contribute to the genetic variability of the amphipod. We observed an evident population genetic structure, even at a fine spatial scale, although genetic differentiation was lower than our expectations for a benthic direct brooder. Demographic history inferences were consistent across populations and showed two major demographic expansions on interglacial periods during the late Pleiostocene, before and after the last glacial maximum. We also demonstrated that isolation-by-environment (IBE) was the main driver of genetic differentiation, although we could not separate it from the effects of isolation-by-distance (IBD). Among environmental factors, nutrient concentrations in seawater were most relevant for explaining genetic structure. In addition, our data suggest that morphological variation in gnathopod 2 structure of males were not genetic-related and were probably plastic as a response to variations in macroalgae frond size. Our study reinforces the importance of using multiple molecular markers and analytical approaches to unveil patterns and processes generating genetic variation in natural populations. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/02804-9 - Evaluating adaptation, epigenetic variation, and dispersal to unveil the response of mangrove in a changing world
• Grantee: Gustavo Maruyama Mori
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Initial Project
• FAPESP's process: 20/07967-8 - Integration of population genomics and biophysical modeling of dispersion by ocean currents for the inference of the connectivity of mangrove trees on the Brazilian coast
• Grantee: Andre Guilherme Madeira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 17/16837-8 - Protection efficiency in coastal habitats: an integrated approach in the study of macrophyte and associated invertebrates diversity at areas under different conservation status
• Grantee: Fosca Pedini Pereira Leite
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 23/03810-5 - The role of adaptation, phenotypic plasticity and epigenetic variation in the persistence of mangroves in novel environments
• Grantee: Andre Guilherme Madeira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 18/10313-0 - Build-up of scientific collections of marine invertebrates: strategies for biodiversity conservation
• Grantee: Antonia Cecília Zacagnini Amaral
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants