Journal article
Genetic differentiation between estuarine and open coast ecotypes of a dominant ecosystem engineer
Marine and Freshwater Research, Vol.70(7), pp.977-985
2019
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Abstract
Temperate intertidal shores globally are often dominated by habitat-forming seaweeds, but our knowledge of these systems is heavily biased towards northern hemisphere species. Rocky intertidal shores throughout Australia and New Zealand are dominated by a single monotypic species, Hormosira banksii. This species plays a key role in facilitating biodiversity on both rocky shores and estuarine habitats, yet we know little about the processes that structure populations. Herein we characterise the genetic diversity and structure of Hormosira and demonstrate strong restrictions to gene flow over small spatial scales, as well as between estuarine and open coast populations. Estuarine ecotypes were often genetically unique from nearby open coast populations, possibly due to extant reduced gene flow between habitats, founder effects and coastal geomorphology. Deviations from random mating in many locations suggest complex demographic processes are at play within shores, including clonality in estuarine populations. Strong isolation by distance in Hormosira suggests that spatial management of intertidal habitats will necessitate a network of broad-scale protection. Understanding patterns of genetic diversity and gene flow in this important ecosystem engineer will enhance the ability to manage, conserve and restore this key species into the future.
Details
- Title
- Genetic differentiation between estuarine and open coast ecotypes of a dominant ecosystem engineer
- Creators
- M. A Coleman - NSW FisheriesJ. S Clark - University of Technology SydneyM. A Doblin - University of Technology SydneyM. J Bishop - Macquarie UniversityB. P Kelaher - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Marine and Freshwater Research, Vol.70(7), pp.977-985
- Publisher
- CSIRO Publishing
- Grant note
- This work was funded by an Australian Research Council Discovery grant toM. A. Coleman (DP0663550) and an Australian Postgraduate Award to J. S.Clark.
- Identifiers
- 991012927064402368
- Copyright
- Journal compilation © CSIRO 2019
- Academic Unit
- School of Environment, Science and Engineering; Faculty of Science and Engineering; National Marine Science Centre
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article