Abstract
The region of the Western Carpathians is, among other aspects, very important for survival and diversity of European freshwater fauna due to the presence of a large number of (sub)mountain springs and streams. However, these ecologically and faunistically diversified habitats are still understudied in the context of genetic diversity and population structure of their inhabitants. This study focuses on genetic diversity and distribution patterns of the caddisfly Rhyacophila tristis, common and widespread representative of mountain freshwater fauna. Analysis of the COI mitochondrial marker revealed presence of the western and eastern lineages, with samples from both lineages being grouped in BOLD (Barcode of Life Data System) into separate BINs (Barcode Index Numbers). Our data indicates that eastern lineage (BIN_E) is more closely related to the Balkan populations than to co-occurring western lineage (BIN_W), and that the contact zone of the lineages passes through the W Carpathians. The study revealed phylogeographic and demographic differences between lineages, supporting hypothesis of their evolutionary independence and specific ecological preferences. The obtained genetic data of the R. tristis population from W Carpathians improved our knowledge about population genetics of this aquatic species and can contribute to understanding the state and evolution of biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems in Europe.
Highlights
Population genetic studies are inevitable for understanding the mechanisms of distribution and dispersal of species under the influence of past climate changes
The Both lineages (BINs) (Barcode Index Number) algorithm implemented in BOLD (Barcode of Life Data System) and ASAP (Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning) analysis resulted in identical partitioning of the 5′ COI dataset into two genetic lineages, whose distribution was largely disjunct (Fig. 2A)
Our results show that the presence of the western (BIN_W) and the eastern (BIN_E) lineage was detected in the W Carpathians themselves, and based on the genetic landscape approach, we proved that W Carpathians form a contact zone between these two lineages (BINs)
Summary
Population genetic studies are inevitable for understanding the mechanisms of distribution and dispersal of species under the influence of past climate changes. The knowledge on the spatial distribution of genetic diversity at a species level is an essential prerequisite for understanding the resilience of biota in the changing environment across geological p eriods[26,27] This is especially important for species inhabiting specific biotopes such as mountain aquatic ecosystems. It could be expected that this mountain range may include a contact zone between the Alpine (western) and Carpathian (eastern) lineages of the R. tristis To test these assumptions, we generated and analysed a large dataset of R. tristis samples from the springs and streams in the W Carpathians and adjacent areas, which allowed us to fill the gap in the phylogeographic puzzle of this species in the European mountains
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
