Abstract
To enhance the understanding of larval dispersal in marine organisms, species with a sedentary adult stage and a pelagic larval phase of known duration constitute ideal candidates, because inferences can be made about the role of larval dispersal in population connectivity. Members of the immensely diverse marine fauna of the Indo-Malay Archipelago are of particular importance in this respect, as biodiversity conservation is becoming a large concern in this region. In this study, the genetic population structure of the pink anemonefish, Amphiprion perideraion, is analyzed by applying 10 microsatellite loci as well as sequences of the mitochondrial control region to also allow for a direct comparison of marker-derived results. Both marker systems detected a strong overall genetic structure (ΦST = 0.096, P < 0.0001; mean Dest = 0.17; FST = 0.015, P < 0.0001) and best supported regional groupings (ΦCT = 0.199 P < 0.0001; FCT = 0.018, P < 0.001) that suggested a differentiation of the Java Sea population from the rest of the archipelago. Differentiation of a New Guinea group was confirmed by both markers, but disagreed over the affinity of populations from west New Guinea. Mitochondrial data suggest higher connectivity among populations with fewer signals of regional substructure than microsatellite data. Considering the homogenizing effect of only a few migrants per generation on genetic differentiation between populations, marker-specific results have important implications for conservation efforts concerning this and similar species.
Highlights
Reproductive population connectivity in spatially separated subpopulations of sessile marine species is shaped primarily through larval dispersal and mortality (Pineda et al 2007)
Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Hierarchal analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) found that the highest significant genetic differentiation between regional groups is achieved when Karimunjava and Biak form western and eastern groups, respectively, disagreement among markers exists in assigning west New Guinea populations to the central or the eastern group
Summary
Reproductive population connectivity in spatially separated subpopulations of sessile marine species is shaped primarily through larval dispersal and mortality (Pineda et al 2007). Mounting evidence for disproportionately high degrees of restricted and directed larval dispersal in many coastal and offshore species (e.g., Barber et al 2002; Planes and Fauvelot 2002; Swearer et al 2002; Bernardi et al 2003; Taylor and Hellberg 2003; Ovenden et al 2004; Baums et al 2006; Bowen et al 2006; Thacker et al 2007; Schluessel et al 2010) has revealed the potential vulnerability of demographically interdependent populations.
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.
