Local Scale Thermal Environment and Limited Gene Flow Indicates Vulnerability of Warm Edge Populations in a Habitat Forming Macroalga

Jennifer S Clark; Alistair G. B Poore; Melinda A Coleman; Martina A Doblin

doi:10.3389/fmars.2020.00711

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Local Scale Thermal Environment and Limited Gene Flow Indicates Vulnerability of Warm Edge Populations in a Habitat Forming Macroalga

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Local Scale Thermal Environment and Limited Gene Flow Indicates Vulnerability of Warm Edge Populations in a Habitat Forming Macroalga

Jennifer S Clark, Alistair G. B Poore, Melinda A Coleman and Martina A Doblin

Frontiers in Marine Science, Vol.7, 711

27/08/2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00711

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Abstract

thermal performance

climate change

photosynthesis

microsatellites

genetic diversity

quantitative breeding designs

seaweed

Hormosira banksii

Species inhabiting warm-edge populations of their distribution are suggested to be at the forefront of global warming due to reduced fitness, limited gene flow and living close to their physiological thermal limits. Determining the scale that governs thermal niche and the functional responses of habitat-forming species to environmental stressors is critical for successful conservation efforts, particularly as coastal ecosystems are impacted by global change. Here, we examine the susceptibility of warm-edge populations to warming, in the habitat-forming macroalga, Hormosira banksii, from southeastern Australia. We use a quantitative breeding design to quantify intraspecific variation in thermal performance (growth, ontogenic development and photosynthetic efficiency) of different genotypes sourced from sites at the equatorward distributional edge (warm-edge) and those toward the center of its distribution (non-edge). The genetic diversity and structure of H. banksii was also examined using microsatellite markers amongst the same sites. Our results found variable responses in thermal performance for growth and development. Warm-edge germlings grew optimally in lower temperatures tested and had narrower thermal breadth compared to non-edge germlings which grew in higher and more broader temperatures. Warm-edge germlings however, showed greater plasticity to tolerate high light indicated by a greater proportion of energy being dissipated as regulated non-photochemical quenching [Y(NPQ)] than non-regulated non-photochemical quenching [Y(NO)]. Overall genetic diversity was lower at the warm-edge location with evidence of increased structuring and reduced gene flow in comparison to the non-edge location. Evidence of genetic structuring was not found locally between high and low shore within sites. Together, these data suggest that non-edge populations may be " thermally buffered " from increased temperatures associated with ocean warming. Warm-edge populations of H. banksii, however, may be vulnerable to warming, due to narrower thermal breadth and sensitivity to higher temperatures, with genetic impoverishment through loss of individuals likely to further reduce population viability.

Details

Title: Local Scale Thermal Environment and Limited Gene Flow Indicates Vulnerability of Warm Edge Populations in a Habitat Forming Macroalga
Creators: Jennifer S Clark (Author) - University of British Columbia
Alistair G. B Poore (Author) - University of New South Wales
Melinda A Coleman (Author) - Southern Cross University
Martina A Doblin (Author) - University of Technology Sydney
Publication Details: Frontiers in Marine Science, Vol.7, 711
Identifiers: 991012926959802368
Academic Unit: National Marine Science Centre
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

Local Scale Thermal Environment and Limited Gene Flow Indicates Vulnerability of Warm Edge Populations in a Habitat Forming Macroalga

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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