1
|
Männer L, Mundinger C, Haase M. Stay in shape: Assessing the adaptive potential of shell morphology and its sensitivity to temperature in the invasive New Zealand mud snail
Potamopyrgus antipodarum
through phenotypic plasticity and natural selection in Europe. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9314. [PMID: 36203624 PMCID: PMC9526036 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change may force organisms to adapt genetically or plastically to new environmental conditions. Invasive species show remarkable potential for rapid adaptation. The ovoviviparous New Zealand mud snail (NZMS), Potamopyrgus antipodarum, has successfully established across Europe with two clonally reproducing mitochondrial lineages since its arrival in the first half of the 19th century. Its remarkable variation in shell morphology was shown to be fitness relevant. We investigated the effects of temperature on shell morphology across 11 populations from Germany and the Iberian Peninsula in a common garden across three temperatures. We analyzed size and shape using geometric morphometrics. For both, we compared reaction norms and estimated heritabilities. For size, the interaction of temperature and haplotype explained about 50% of the total variance. We also observed more genotype by environment interactions indicating a higher degree of population differentiation than in shape. Across the three temperatures, size followed the expectations of the temperature‐size rule, with individuals growing larger in cold environments. Changes in shape may have compensated for changes in size affecting space for brooding embryos. Heritability estimates were relatively high. As indicated by the very low coefficients of variation for clonal repeatability (CVA), they can probably not be compared in absolute terms. However, they showed some sensitivity to temperature, in haplotype t more so than in z, which was only found in Portugal. The low CVA values indicate that genetic variation among European populations is still restricted with a low potential to react to selection. A considerable fraction of the genetic variation was due to differences between the clonal lineages. The NZMS has apparently not been long enough in Europe to accumulate significant genetic variation relevant for morphological adaptation. As temperature is obviously not the sole factor influencing shell morphology, their interaction will probably not be a factor limiting population persistence under a warming climate in Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Männer
- AG Vogelwarte, Zoological Institute and MuseumUniversity of GreifswaldGreifswaldGermany
| | - Carolin Mundinger
- AG Applied Zoology and Nature Conservation, Zoological Institute and MuseumUniversity of GreifswaldGreifswaldGermany
| | - Martin Haase
- AG Vogelwarte, Zoological Institute and MuseumUniversity of GreifswaldGreifswaldGermany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Donne C, Larkin K, Adrian-Tucci C, Good A, Kephart C, Neiman M. Life-history trait variation in native versus invasive asexual New Zealand mud snails. Oecologia 2022; 199:785-795. [PMID: 35877050 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-022-05222-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Potamopyrgus antipodarum is a New Zealand freshwater snail that is invasive worldwide. While native P. antipodarum populations are characterized by frequent coexistence between obligately sexual and obligately asexual individuals, only the asexual snails are known to invade other ecosystems. Despite low genetic diversity and the absence of sex, invasive asexual P. antipodarum are highly successful. Here, we quantified variation in three key life-history traits across invasive P. antipodarum lineages and compared this variation to already documented variation in these same traits in asexual native lineages to provide a deeper understanding of why some lineages become invasive. In particular, we evaluated if invasive lineages of P. antipodarum could be successful because they represent life-history variation from native ancestors that could facilitate invasion. We found that invasive snails displayed a non-representative sample of native diversity, with invasive snails growing more slowly and maturing more rapidly than their native counterparts. These results are consistent with expectations of a scenario where invasive lineages represent a subset of native variation that is beneficial in the setting of invasion. Together, these results help illuminate the mechanisms driving the worldwide expansion of invasive populations of these snails.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carina Donne
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA.
| | - Katelyn Larkin
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | | | - Abby Good
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Carson Kephart
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Maurine Neiman
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
The New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum): autecology and management of a global invader. Biol Invasions 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02681-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
4
|
Resende RS, Cardoso SJ, D'ávila S. Responses of Leptinaria unilamellata (Gastropoda: Subulinidae) to Novel Micro-Environmental Conditions: Shift in Shell Morphology and the Balance between Protection against Desiccation and Reproductive Success. Zoolog Sci 2020; 37:148-158. [PMID: 32282146 DOI: 10.2108/zs180201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we observed that Leptinaria unilamellata responds to changes in microclimatic conditions through shifts in shell morphology. Over three laboratory generations, shell differences between two populations, representing distinct morphotypes, became less evident. Only F1 generations from both populations showed shell morphometry very similar to the field parental snails, suggesting maternal effect. Snails from the locality with higher values of rainfall, relative humidity and evaporation index and smaller values of temperature and insolation produced more and larger hatchlings. Snails from the locality with less favorable climatic conditions presented shells traits that offer protection against desiccation, but reduce reproductive success. These snails showed smaller offspring production and faster response to a desiccation regime, through changes in conchiometrics. In addition, the results of the present study suggest that the spire index plays a less important role in determining protective properties of the shell of L. unilamellata, in response to desiccation risk, compared to aperture dimension. As shell aperture dimension is an important trait related to resistance to desiccation, and at the same time to reproduction, plastic responses to environmental conditions promoting the balance between survival and reproductive success are critical for the species adaptive success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Seixas Resende
- Museu de Malacologia Prof. Maury Pinto de Oliveira, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, S/n - Martelos, Juiz de Fora, 36036-330 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Simone Jaqueline Cardoso
- Laboratório de Ecologia Aquática, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, 36036-330 Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, 36036-330 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sthefane D'ávila
- Museu de Malacologia Prof. Maury Pinto de Oliveira, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, S/n - Martelos, Juiz de Fora, 36036-330 Minas Gerais, Brazil, .,Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, 36036-330 Minas Gerais, Brazil,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Smithson M, Thorson JLM, Sadler-Riggleman I, Beck D, Skinner MK, Dybdahl M. Between-Generation Phenotypic and Epigenetic Stability in a Clonal Snail. Genome Biol Evol 2020; 12:1604-1615. [PMID: 32877512 PMCID: PMC7513791 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic variation might play an important role in generating adaptive phenotypes by underpinning within-generation developmental plasticity, persistent parental effects of the environment (e.g., transgenerational plasticity), or heritable epigenetically based polymorphism. These adaptive mechanisms should be most critical in organisms where genetic sources of variation are limited. Using a clonally reproducing freshwater snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum), we examined the stability of an adaptive phenotype (shell shape) and of DNA methylation between generations. First, we raised three generations of snails adapted to river currents in the lab without current. We showed that habitat-specific adaptive shell shape was relatively stable across three generations but shifted slightly over generations two and three toward a no-current lake phenotype. We also showed that DNA methylation specific to high-current environments was stable across one generation. This study provides the first evidence of stability of DNA methylation patterns across one generation in an asexual animal. Together, our observations are consistent with the hypothesis that adaptive shell shape variation is at least in part determined by transgenerational plasticity, and that DNA methylation provides a potential mechanism for stability of shell shape across one generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Smithson
- School of Biological Sciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University
| | - Jennifer L M Thorson
- School of Biological Sciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University
| | | | - Daniel Beck
- School of Biological Sciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University
| | - Michael K Skinner
- School of Biological Sciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University
| | - Mark Dybdahl
- School of Biological Sciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Donne C, Neiman M, Woodell JD, Haase M, Verhaegen G. A layover in Europe: Reconstructing the invasion route of asexual lineages of a New Zealand snail to North America. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:3446-3465. [PMID: 32741004 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Non-native invasive species are threatening ecosystems and biodiversity worldwide. High genetic variation is thought to be a critical factor for invasion success. Accordingly, the global invasion of a few clonal lineages of the gastropod Potamopyrgus antipodarum is thus both puzzling and has the potential to help illuminate why some invasions succeed while others fail. Here, we used SNP markers and a geographically broad sampling scheme (N = 1617) including native New Zealand populations and invasive North American and European populations to provide the first widescale population genetic assessment of the relationships between and among native and invasive P. antipodarum. We used a combination of traditional and Bayesian molecular analyses to demonstrate that New Zealand populations harbour very high diversity relative to the invasive populations and are the source of the two main European genetic lineages. One of these two European lineages was in turn the source of at least one of the two main North American genetic clusters of invasive P. antipodarum, located in Lake Ontario. The other widespread North American group had a more complex origin that included the other European lineage and two New Zealand clusters. Altogether, our analyses suggest that just a small handful of clonal lineages of P. antipodarum were responsible for invasion across continents. Our findings provide critical information for prevention of additional invasions and control of existing invasive populations and are of broader relevance towards understanding the establishment and evolution of asexual populations and the forces driving biological invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carina Donne
- Department of Biology, Department of Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies, The University of Iowa, Iowa, USA
| | - Maurine Neiman
- Department of Biology, Department of Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies, The University of Iowa, Iowa, USA
| | - James D Woodell
- Department of Biology, Department of Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies, The University of Iowa, Iowa, USA
| | - Martin Haase
- AG Vogelwarte, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Gerlien Verhaegen
- AG Vogelwarte, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.,Advanced Science-Technology Research (ASTER) Program, Institute for Extra-cutting-edge Science and Technology Avant-garde Research (X-star), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Morphological and molecular analysis of cryptic native and invasive freshwater snails in Chile. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7846. [PMID: 31127123 PMCID: PMC6534575 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41279-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Species delimitation in minute freshwater snails is often difficult to perform using solely shell morphology. The problem intensifies when invasive species spread within the distribution range of morphologically similar native species. In Chile, the Truncatelloidean snails are represented by the native genera Heleobia and Potamolithus plus the invasive mudsnail Potamopyrgus antipodarum, which can easily be confused. Using an integrative approach, we performed molecular phylogenetic analysis and studied reproductive and morphological features to identify superficially similar forms inhabiting the central area of the country. Truncatelloidean snails were identified in 40 of 51 localities sampled, 10 containing Potamopyrgus antipodarum, 23 Heleobia and 7 Potamolithus. Based on these results and previously published data, the known distribution of the mudsnail in Chile encompasses 6 hydrological basins, including 18 freshwater ecosystems. The finding of the mudsnails in several type localities of native species/subspecies of “Heleobia” that were not find in situ suggests species replacement or significant extinction of native fauna, a hypothesis supported by the restudy of type material that shows that endemic forms belong to the genus Potamolithus. This study shows the usefulness of integrative taxonomy not only resolving complex taxa with cryptic morphology but also measuring the extent of an ongoing invasion.
Collapse
|
8
|
Verhaegen G, Herzog H, Korsch K, Kerth G, Brede M, Haase M. Testing the adaptive value of gastropod shell morphology to flow: a multidisciplinary approach based on morphometrics, computational fluid dynamics and a flow tank experiment. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2019; 5:5. [PMID: 30680227 PMCID: PMC6337808 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-018-0119-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
A major question in stream ecology is how invertebrates cope with flow. In aquatic gastropods, typically, larger and more globular shells with larger apertures are found in lotic (flowing water) versus lentic (stagnant water) habitats. This has been hypothetically linked to a larger foot, and thus attachment area, which has been suggested to be an adaptation against risk of dislodgement by current. Empirical evidence for this is scarce. Furthermore, these previous studies did not discuss the unavoidable increase in drag forces experienced by the snails as a consequence of the increased cross sectional area. Here, using Potamopyrgus antipodarum as a study model, we integrated computational fluid dynamics simulations and a flow tank experiment with living snails to test whether 1) globular shell morphs are an adaptation against dislodgement through lift rather than drag forces, and 2) dislocation velocity is positively linked to foot size, and that the latter can be predicted by shell morphology. The drag forces experienced by the shells were always stronger compared to the lift and lateral forces. Drag and lift forces increased with shell height but not with globularity. Rotating the shells out of the flow direction increased the drag forces, but decreased lift. Our hypothesis that the controversial presence of globular shells in lotic environments could be explained by an adaptation against lift rather than drag forces was rejected. The foot size was only predicted by the size of the shell, not by shell shape or aperture size, showing that the assumed aperture/foot area correlation should be used with caution and cannot be generalized for all aquatic gastropod species. Finally, shell morphology and foot size were not related to the dislodgement speed in our flow tank experiment. We conclude that other traits must play a major role in decreasing dislodgement risk in stream gastropods, e.g., specific behaviours or pedal mucus stickiness. Although we did not find globular shells to be adaptations for reducing dislodgement risk, we cannot rule out that they are still flow-related adaptations. For instance, globular shells are more crush-resistant and therefore perhaps adaptive in terms of diminishing damage caused by tumbling after dislodgement or against lotic crush-type predators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerlien Verhaegen
- Vogelwarte, Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Universität Greifswald, Soldmannstraße 23, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Hendrik Herzog
- Institut für Zoologie, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 169, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Katrin Korsch
- Angewandte Zoologie und Naturschutz, Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Universität Greifswald, Loitzer Str. 26, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Gerald Kerth
- Angewandte Zoologie und Naturschutz, Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Universität Greifswald, Loitzer Str. 26, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Martin Brede
- Lehrstuhl Strömungsmechanik, Universität Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Str. 2, 18051 Rostock, Germany
| | - Martin Haase
- Vogelwarte, Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Universität Greifswald, Soldmannstraße 23, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Boulaassafer K, Ghamizi M, Delicado D. The genus Mercuria Boeters, 1971 in Morocco: first molecular phylogeny of the genus and description of two new species (Caenogastropoda, Truncatelloidea, Hydrobiidae). Zookeys 2018:95-128. [PMID: 30275721 PMCID: PMC6160864 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.782.26797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The western Palearctic freshwater snail genus Mercuria (Caenogastropoda: Hydrobiidae) comprises 26 species primarily distributed in lowland localities of Western Europe and North Africa. Although this genus in North Africa has received considerable attention in terms of species discoveries through morphological descriptions, its distribution and phylogenetic patterns remain unknown. Based on morphological and mitochondrial DNA (mtCOI) evidence, this study examines the three Mercuria species (M.bakeri, M.tingitana, and M.targouasensis) from Morocco identified so far. Besides expanding on information regarding the anatomy of these species, two new species (M.midarensissp. n. and M.tensiftensissp. n.) are described for this region and phylogenetic relationships inferred between these species and the European M.emiliana and M.similis. All Moroccan and European species were recovered as independent entities according to these phylogenetic inferences (uncorrected p-distances 2.8–8.5%) and DNA barcode data. Moroccan Mercuria species clustered with M.emiliana from Spain, although basal relationships within this clade were not well supported. Given that factors such as the season when specimens are collected, habitat type, and parasites could be responsible for the remarkable intraspecific variation observed in shell and penis morphology, it is proposed that the most efficient approach to delimit and identify Mercuria species is to combine morphological descriptions with genetic data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khadija Boulaassafer
- Cadi Ayyad University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Hydrobiology, Ecotoxicology, Sanitation and Climate Change, Prince Moulay Abdellah Boulevard, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco Cadi Ayyad University Marrakesh Morocco
| | - Mohamed Ghamizi
- Cadi Ayyad University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Hydrobiology, Ecotoxicology, Sanitation and Climate Change, Prince Moulay Abdellah Boulevard, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco Cadi Ayyad University Marrakesh Morocco
| | - Diana Delicado
- Justus Liebig University, Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, D-35392, Giessen, Germany Justus Liebig University Giessen Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ecomorphology of a generalist freshwater gastropod: complex relations of shell morphology, habitat, and fecundity. ORG DIVERS EVOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s13127-018-0377-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
11
|
Boulaassafer K, Ghamizi M, Delicado D. The genus Mercuria Boeters, 1971 in Morocco: first molecular phylogeny of the genus and description of two new species (Caenogastropoda, Truncatelloidea, Hydrobiidae). Zookeys 2018. [DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.779.26797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The western Palearctic freshwater snail genus Mercuria (Caenogastropoda: Hydrobiidae) comprises 26 species primarily distributed in lowland localities of Western Europe and North Africa. Although this genus in North Africa has received considerable attention in terms of species discoveries through morphological descriptions, its distribution and phylogenetic patterns remain unknown. Based on morphological and mitochondrial DNA (mtCOI) evidence, this study examines the three Mercuria species (M.bakeri, M.tingitana, and M.targouasensis) from Morocco identified so far. Besides expanding on information regarding the anatomy of these species, two new species (M.midarensissp. n. and M.tensiftensissp. n.) are described for this region and phylogenetic relationships inferred between these species and the European M.emiliana and M.similis. All Moroccan and European species were recovered as independent entities according to these phylogenetic inferences (uncorrected p-distances 2.8–8.5%) and DNA barcode data. Moroccan Mercuria species clustered with M.emiliana from Spain, although basal relationships within this clade were not well supported. Given that factors such as the season when specimens are collected, habitat type, and parasites could be responsible for the remarkable intraspecific variation observed in shell and penis morphology, it is proposed that the most efficient approach to delimit and identify Mercuria species is to combine morphological descriptions with genetic data.
Collapse
|
12
|
Verhaegen G, McElroy KE, Bankers L, Neiman M, Haase M. Adaptive phenotypic plasticity in a clonal invader. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:4465-4483. [PMID: 29760888 PMCID: PMC5938463 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Organisms featuring wide trait variability and occurring in a wide range of habitats, such as the ovoviviparous New Zealand freshwater snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum, are ideal models to study adaptation. Since the mid‐19th century, P. antipodarum, characterized by extremely variable shell morphology, has successfully invaded aquatic areas on four continents. Because these obligately and wholly asexual invasive populations harbor low genetic diversity compared to mixed sexual/asexual populations in the native range, we hypothesized that (1) this phenotypic variation in the invasive range might be adaptive with respect to colonization of novel habitats, and (2) that at least some of the variation might be caused by phenotypic plasticity. We surveyed 425 snails from 21 localities across northwest Europe to attempt to disentangle genetic and environmental effects on shell morphology. We analyzed brood size as proxy for fitness and shell geometric morphometrics, while controlling for genetic background. Our survey revealed 10 SNP genotypes nested into two mtDNA haplotypes and indicated that mainly lineage drove variation in shell shape but not size. Physicochemical parameters affected both shell shape and size and the interaction of these traits with brood size. In particular, stronger stream flow rates were associated with larger shells. Our measurements of brood size suggested that relatively larger slender snails with relatively large apertures were better adapted to strong flow than counterparts with broader shells and relatively small apertures. In conclusion, the apparent potential to modify shell morphology plays likely a key role in the invasive success of P. antipodarum; the two main components of shell morphology, namely shape and size, being differentially controlled, the former mainly genetically and the latter predominantly by phenotypic plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerlien Verhaegen
- AG Vogelwarte Zoological Institute and Museum Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University of Greifswald Greifswald Germany
| | - Kyle E McElroy
- Department of Biology The University of Iowa Iowa City IA USA
| | - Laura Bankers
- Department of Biology The University of Iowa Iowa City IA USA
| | - Maurine Neiman
- Department of Biology The University of Iowa Iowa City IA USA
| | - Martin Haase
- AG Vogelwarte Zoological Institute and Museum Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University of Greifswald Greifswald Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Thorson JLM, Smithson M, Beck D, Sadler-Riggleman I, Nilsson E, Dybdahl M, Skinner MK. Epigenetics and adaptive phenotypic variation between habitats in an asexual snail. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14139. [PMID: 29074962 PMCID: PMC5658341 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14673-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In neo-Darwinian theory, adaptation results from a response to selection on relatively slowly accumulating genetic variation. However, more rapid adaptive responses are possible if selectable or plastic phenotypic variation is produced by epigenetic differences in gene expression. This rapid path to adaptation may prove particularly important when genetic variation is lacking, such as in small, bottlenecked, or asexual populations. To examine the potential for an epigenetic contribution to adaptive variation, we examined morphological divergence and epigenetic variation in genetically impoverished asexual populations of a freshwater snail, Potamopyrgus antipodarum, from distinct habitats (two lakes versus two rivers). These populations exhibit habitat specific differences in shell shape, and these differences are consistent with adaptation to water current speed. Between these same habitats, we also found significant genome wide DNA methylation differences. The differences between habitats were an order of magnitude greater than the differences between replicate sites of the same habitat. These observations suggest one possible mechanism for the expression of adaptive shell shape differences between habitats involves environmentally induced epigenetic differences. This provides a potential explanation for the capacity of this asexual snail to spread by adaptive evolution or plasticity to different environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L M Thorson
- Center for Reproductive Biology School of Biological Sciences Washington State University, Pullman, WA-99164-4236, USA
| | - Mark Smithson
- Center for Reproductive Biology School of Biological Sciences Washington State University, Pullman, WA-99164-4236, USA
| | - Daniel Beck
- Center for Reproductive Biology School of Biological Sciences Washington State University, Pullman, WA-99164-4236, USA
| | - Ingrid Sadler-Riggleman
- Center for Reproductive Biology School of Biological Sciences Washington State University, Pullman, WA-99164-4236, USA
| | - Eric Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology School of Biological Sciences Washington State University, Pullman, WA-99164-4236, USA
| | - Mark Dybdahl
- Center for Reproductive Biology School of Biological Sciences Washington State University, Pullman, WA-99164-4236, USA.
| | - Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology School of Biological Sciences Washington State University, Pullman, WA-99164-4236, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Vergara D, Fuentes JA, Stoy KS, Lively CM. Evaluating shell variation across different populations of a freshwater snail. MOLLUSCAN RESEARCH 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/13235818.2016.1253446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Vergara
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
| | | | - Kayla S. Stoy
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|