Abstract
ParacaprellapusillaMayer, 1890 is a tropical caprellid species recently introduced to the Eastern Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean Sea. In this study, we used direct sequencing of mitochondrial (COI and 16S) and nuclear (28S and ITS) genes to compare genetic differences in presumed native and introduced populations in order to infer its introduction pattern and to shed light on the native range of this species. The temporal pattern of genetic diversity at the westernmost limit of the geographic range ofP.pusillain Europe (the Atlantic coast of southern Spain) over an eight-year period was also investigated. Our results confirmP.pusillaas a neocosmopolitan species and suggest that the species is native to the Atlantic coast of Central and South America.Paracaprellapusillaseems to have been introduced into European waters from multiple introduction pathways and source populations, which are likely to include populations from coastal waters of Brazil. Multiple introduction pathways may have been involved, with the most important being commercial shipping through the Strait of Gibraltar. While this tropical species appears to be expanding in the Mediterranean, populations from the westernmost limit of its geographic range in Europe showed a temporal instability. This study constitutes the first molecular approach focused on this species, but it is also the first study of temporal change in genetic diversity of any introduced marine amphipod. Additional intensive sampling of this species, including both native and non-native populations, and detailed temporal studies are still necessary to properly understand how genetic diversity influences the introduction and survival ofP.pusillain invaded areas.
Highlights
Non-indigenous species (NIS) are a fundamental component of global change and are currently considered one of the most important drivers of biodiversity alteration in marine ecosystems worldwide (Bax et al 2003; Molnar et al 2008)
The non-significant values of the Harpending’s raggedness index (Rg) found for the native region, that may imply a recent expansion of P. pusilla to this region, or the high genetic diversity found in some introduced areas, show the complexity to determine with accuracy the native region of the species through isolated approaches
The high genetic diversity found within introduced European populations, similar to that seen in the native ones, coupled with the presence of numerous private haplotypes (Table 3; Fig. 2) suggest that the introduction of P. pusilla in temperate European waters likely occurred from multiple introduction pathways and source populations
Summary
Non-indigenous species (NIS) are a fundamental component of global change and are currently considered one of the most important drivers of biodiversity alteration in marine ecosystems worldwide (Bax et al 2003; Molnar et al 2008). Some NIS successfully establish themselves, form self-sustaining populations, and spread into new locations, becoming invasive and causing both significant ecological and economic impacts (Molnar et al 2008) They may out-compete native species and alter community structure and ecosystem processes. The high genetic diversity found within introduced European populations, similar to that seen in the native ones, coupled with the presence of numerous private haplotypes (Table 3; Fig. 2) suggest that the introduction of P. pusilla in temperate European waters likely occurred from multiple introduction pathways and source populations. This particular Brazilian area might, have been the source for P. pusilla in the Gulf of Gabès
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