Abstract
Population dynamics in the marine realm can shape species’ spatial structure and genetic variability between given geographical areas. Connectivity is an important factor of species’ population structure. In this study, we examined the genetic diversity and structure of white seabream (Diplodus sargus, L. 1758) in the eastern Mediterranean basin, using a panel of four microsatellite markers. Recorded low FST values within the study area indicate little evidence of genetic differentiation among populations. Results suggest high gene flow which may imply near-panmixia between populations, indicating the possibility of a probable movement of adult migrants, or strong passive drift at sea in early life stages of the species. To this extent, bibliographically speaking, different species within the Sparidae family favor altered population dynamics patterns with respect to local populations and genetic divergence, in the context of the molecular marker used.
Highlights
Population structure at sea is cryptic due to the absence of physical barriers
The present study indicated a significant connectivity pattern for contiguous populations of white seabream throughout the study area
The Aegean Sea exhibits genetic continuity of white seabream populations, which may be influenced by the ocean currents, in the context of the relatively long planktonic larval phases that suggest relatively high connectivity [29] and possible differential recruitment process [6]
Summary
Population structure at sea is cryptic due to the absence of physical barriers. with respect to different marine taxa, population structure can differ, e.g., [1,2] depending on life history traits, and it can be used to better understand population connectivity and population dynamics [3]. 1758) populations favor a typical homogeneous mixture of individuals, suggesting low genetic differentiation and high levels of connectivity [4,5,6]. 1758), where statistically significant genetic differentiation among populations in the Aegean Sea illustrates a potential small-scale population structure [7]. Connectivity in the marine environment is a rather common situation due to potential complex migratory patterns and admixture; under the population genetic framework one could evaluate the scale of dispersal of marine taxa [8]. Documented species with long-lived larval stages favor relatively low population structure and high gene flow and theoretically can enable connectivity over large distances due to life-history traits and environmental pressures [9]. Barcelloni et al [13] suggest that ecological/historical factors might have caused discrepancy in the geographical distribution of genetic variation among otherwise biologically similar species
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