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Sgambelluri LR, Jarvis JC, Kamel SJ. Multiple paternity, fertilization success, and male quality: Mating system variation in the eelgrass, Zostera marina. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11608. [PMID: 38919644 PMCID: PMC11197038 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic diversity can modulate a population's response to a changing environment and plays a critical role in its ecological function. While multiple processes act to maintain genetic diversity, sexual reproduction remains the primary driving force. Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is an important habitat-forming species found in temperate coastal ecosystems across the globe. Recent increases in sea surface temperatures have resulted in shifts to a mixed-annual life-history strategy (i.e., displaying characteristics of both annual and perennial meadows) at its southern edge-of-range. Given that mating systems are intimately linked to standing levels of genetic variation, understanding the scope of sexual reproduction can illuminate the processes that shape genetic diversity. To characterize edge-of-range eelgrass mating systems, developing seeds on flowering Z. marina shoots were genotyped from three meadows in Topsail, North Carolina. In all meadows, levels of multiple mating were high, with shoots pollinated by an average of eight sires (range: 3-16). The number of fertilized seeds (i.e., reproductive success) varied significantly across sires (range: 1-25) and was positively correlated with both individual heterozygosity and self-fertilization. Outcrossing rates were high (approx. 70%) and varied across spathes. No clones were detected, and kinship among sampled flowering shoots was low, supporting observed patterns of reproductive output. Given the role that genetic diversity plays in enhancing resistance to and resilience from ecological disturbance, disentangling the links between life history, sexual reproduction, and genetic variation will aid in informing the management and conservation of this key foundation species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R. Sgambelluri
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, Center for Marine ScienceUniversity of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmingtonNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jessie C. Jarvis
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, Center for Marine ScienceUniversity of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmingtonNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Stephanie J. Kamel
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, Center for Marine ScienceUniversity of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmingtonNorth CarolinaUSA
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2
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Araki KS, Shimatani IK, Ohara M. Genet dynamics and its variation among genets of a clonal plant
Convallaria keiskei. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.09367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kiwako S. Araki
- Dept of Ecosystem Studies, School of Environmental Science, The Univ. of Shiga Prefecture Shiga Japan
- Faculty of Life Science, Ritsumeikan University Kusatsu Shiga Japan
| | | | - Masashi Ohara
- Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido Univ. Sapporo Hokkaido Japan
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3
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Kollars NM, Stachowicz JJ. Disturbance decreases genotypic diversity by reducing colonization: Implications for disturbance-diversity feedbacks. Ecology 2022; 103:e3710. [PMID: 35362174 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
One objective of eco-evolutionary dynamics is to understand how the interplay between ecology and evolution on contemporary timescales contributes to the maintenance of biodiversity. Disturbance is an ecological process that can alter species diversity through both ecological and evolutionary effects on colonization and extinction dynamics. While analogous mechanisms likely operate among genotypes within a population, empirical evidence demonstrating the relationship between disturbance and genotypic diversity remains limited. We experimentally tested how disturbance altered the colonization (gain) and extinction (loss) of genets within a population of the marine angiosperm Zostera marina (eelgrass). In a 2-year field experiment conducted in northern California, we mimicked grazing disturbance by migratory geese by clipping leaves at varying frequencies during the winter months. Surprisingly, we found the greatest rates of new colonization in the absence of disturbance and that clipping had negligible effects on extinction. We hypothesize that genet extinction was not driven by selective mortality from clipping or from any stochastic loss resulting from the reduced shoot densities in clipped plots. We also hypothesize that increased flowering effort and facilitation within and among clones drove the increased colonization of new genets in the undisturbed treatment. This balance between colonization and extinction resulted in a negative relationship between clipping frequency and net changes in genotypic richness. We interpret our results in light of prior work showing that genotypic diversity increased resistance to grazing disturbance. We suggest that both directions of a feedback between disturbance and diversity occur in this system with consequences for the maintenance of eelgrass genotypic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Kollars
- Center for Population Biology and the Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, USA
| | - John J Stachowicz
- Center for Population Biology and the Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, USA
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4
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Dierick J, Phan TTH, Luong QD, Triest L. Persistent Clones and Local Seed Recruitment Contribute to the Resilience of Enhalus acoroides Populations Under Disturbance. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:658213. [PMID: 34220884 PMCID: PMC8248806 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.658213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Human-induced land use in coastal areas is one of the main threats for seagrass meadows globally causing eutrophication and sedimentation. These environmental stressors induce sudden ecosystem shifts toward new alternative stable states defined by lower seagrass richness and abundance. Enhalus acoroides, a large-sized tropical seagrass species, appears to be more resistant toward environmental change compared to coexisting seagrass species. We hypothesize that reproductive strategy and the extent of seedling recruitment of E. acoroides are altered under disturbance and contribute to the persistence and resilience of E. acoroides meadows. In this research, we studied eight populations of E. acoroides in four lagoons along the South Central Coast of Vietnam using 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci. We classified land use in 6 classes based on Sentinel-2 L2A images and determined the effect of human-induced land use at different spatial scales on clonal richness and structure, fine-scale genetic structure and genetic diversity. No evidence of population size reductions due to disturbance was found, however, lagoons were strongly differentiated and may act as barriers to gene flow. The proportion and size of clones were significantly higher in populations of surrounding catchments with larger areas of agriculture, urbanization and aquaculture. We postulate that large resistant genets contribute to the resilience of E. acoroides meadows under high levels of disturbance. Although the importance of clonal growth increases with disturbance, sexual reproduction and the subsequent recruitment of seedlings remains an essential strategy for the persistence of populations of E. acoroides and should be prioritized in conservation measures to ensure broad-scale and long-term resilience toward future environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Dierick
- Ecology and Biodiversity Research Group, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thi Thuy Hang Phan
- Biology Department, University of Sciences, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Quang Doc Luong
- Biology Department, University of Sciences, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Ludwig Triest
- Ecology and Biodiversity Research Group, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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5
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Kollars NM, DuBois K, Stachowicz JJ. Sequential disturbances alter the outcome of inter‐genotypic interactions in a clonal plant. Funct Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M. Kollars
- Center for Population Biology University of California Davis CA USA
- Department of Evolution and Ecology University of California Davis CA USA
| | - Katherine DuBois
- Department of Evolution and Ecology University of California Davis CA USA
- Bodega Marine Laboratory Bodega Bay CA USA
| | - John J. Stachowicz
- Center for Population Biology University of California Davis CA USA
- Department of Evolution and Ecology University of California Davis CA USA
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6
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Jackson EL, Smith TM, York PH, Nielsen J, Irving AD, Sherman CDH. An assessment of the seascape genetic structure and hydrodynamic connectivity for subtropical seagrass restoration. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Jackson
- Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) CQUniversity Gladstone Queensland Australia
| | - Timothy M. Smith
- The Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER) James Cook University Cairns Queensland Australia
| | - Paul H. York
- The Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER) James Cook University Cairns Queensland Australia
| | | | - Andrew D. Irving
- Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) CQUniversity Gladstone Queensland Australia
| | - Craig D. H. Sherman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Geelong Victoria Australia
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7
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Becheler R, Guillemin M, Stoeckel S, Mauger S, Saunier A, Brante A, Destombe C, Valero M. After a catastrophe, a little bit of sex is better than nothing: Genetic consequences of a major earthquake on asexual and sexual populations. Evol Appl 2020; 13:2086-2100. [PMID: 32908606 PMCID: PMC7463374 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Catastrophic events can have profound effects on the demography of a population and consequently on genetic diversity. The dynamics of postcatastrophic recovery and the role of sexual versus asexual reproduction in buffering the effects of massive perturbations remain poorly understood, in part because the opportunity to document genetic diversity before and after such events is rare. Six natural (purely sexual) and seven cultivated (mainly clonal due to farming practices) populations of the red alga Agarophyton chilense were surveyed along the Chilean coast before, in the days after and 2 years after the 8.8 magnitude earthquake in 2010. The genetic diversity of sexual populations appeared sensitive to this massive perturbation, notably through the loss of rare alleles immediately after the earthquake. By 2012, the levels of diversity returned to those observed before the catastrophe, probably due to migration. In contrast, enhanced rates of clonality in cultivated populations conferred a surprising ability to buffer the instantaneous loss of diversity. After the earthquake, farmers increased the already high rate of clonality to maintain the few surviving beds, but most of them collapsed rapidly. Contrasting fates between sexual and clonal populations suggest that betting on strict clonality to sustain production is risky, probably because this extreme strategy hampered adaptation to the brutal environmental perturbation induced by the catastrophe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan Becheler
- Centro de Conservación MarinaDepartamento de EcologíaFacultad de Ciencias BiológicasPontificia Universidad Católica de ChileCasillaChile
- UMI 3614Evolutionary Biology and Ecology of AlgaeCNRSSorbonne UniversitéUniversidad Austral de ChilePontificia Universidad Católica de ChileRoscoffFrance
| | - Marie‐Laure Guillemin
- UMI 3614Evolutionary Biology and Ecology of AlgaeCNRSSorbonne UniversitéUniversidad Austral de ChilePontificia Universidad Católica de ChileRoscoffFrance
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y EvolutivasFacultad de CienciasUniversidad Austral de ChileValdiviaChile
| | - Solenn Stoeckel
- UMR1349 Institute for Genetics, Environment and Plant ProtectionINRALe RheuFrance
| | - Stéphane Mauger
- UMI 3614Evolutionary Biology and Ecology of AlgaeCNRSSorbonne UniversitéUniversidad Austral de ChilePontificia Universidad Católica de ChileRoscoffFrance
| | - Alice Saunier
- UMI 3614Evolutionary Biology and Ecology of AlgaeCNRSSorbonne UniversitéUniversidad Austral de ChilePontificia Universidad Católica de ChileRoscoffFrance
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y EvolutivasFacultad de CienciasUniversidad Austral de ChileValdiviaChile
| | - Antonio Brante
- Departamento de EcologíaFacultad de CienciasUniversidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción (UCSC)ConcepciónChile
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ambientes Sustentables (CIBAS)UCSCConcepciónChile
| | - Christophe Destombe
- UMI 3614Evolutionary Biology and Ecology of AlgaeCNRSSorbonne UniversitéUniversidad Austral de ChilePontificia Universidad Católica de ChileRoscoffFrance
| | - Myriam Valero
- UMI 3614Evolutionary Biology and Ecology of AlgaeCNRSSorbonne UniversitéUniversidad Austral de ChilePontificia Universidad Católica de ChileRoscoffFrance
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8
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Reynolds LK, Tiling KA, Digiantonio GB, Encomio VG, Morris LJ. Genetic diversity of Halodule wrightii is resistant to large scale dieback: a case study from the Indian River Lagoon. CONSERV GENET 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-019-01214-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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9
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Xu NN, Jiang K, Biswas SR, Tong X, Wang R, Chen XY. Clone Configuration and Spatial Genetic Structure of Two Halophila ovalis Populations With Contrasting Internode Lengths. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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10
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Yu S, Wu Y, Serrao EA, Zhang J, Jiang Z, Huang C, Cui L, Thorhaug A, Huang X. Fine-scale genetic structure and flowering output of the seagrass Enhalus acoroides undergoing disturbance. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:5186-5195. [PMID: 31110671 PMCID: PMC6509391 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Seagrass are under great stress in the tropical coast of Asia, where Enhalus acoroides is frequently the dominant species with a large food web. Here, we investigate the question of the fine-scale genetic structure of this ecologically important foundation species, subject to severe anthropogenic disturbance in China. The genetic structure will illuminate potential mechanisms for population dynamics and sustainability, which are critical for preservation of biodiversity and for decision-making in management and restoration. We evaluated the fine-scale spatial genetic structure (SGS) and flowering output of E. acoroides, and indirectly estimated the relative importance of sexual versus asexual reproduction for population persistence using spatial autocorrelation analysis. Results reveal high clonal diversity for this species, as predicted from its high sexual reproduction output. The stronger Sp statistic at the ramet-level compared with genet-level indicates that clonality increases the SGS pattern for E. acoroides. Significant SGS at the genet-level may be explained by the aggregated dispersal of seed/pollen cohorts. The estimated gene dispersal variance suggests that dispersal mediated by sexual reproduction is more important than clonal growth in this study area. The ongoing anthropogenic disturbance will negatively affect the mating pattern and the SGS patterns in the future due to massive death of shoots, and less frequency of sexual reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Yu
- Fourth Institute of OceanographyMinistry of Natural ResourcesBeihaiChina
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio‐resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of OceanologyChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Yunchao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio‐resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of OceanologyChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhouChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | | | - Jingping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio‐resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of OceanologyChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhijian Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio‐resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of OceanologyChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Chi Huang
- Ocean University of ChinaQingdaoChina
| | - Lijun Cui
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio‐resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of OceanologyChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhouChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Anitra Thorhaug
- School of Forestry an Environmental StudiesYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticut
| | - Xiaoping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio‐resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of OceanologyChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhouChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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11
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Tumas HR, Shamblin BM, Woodrey MS, Nairn CJ. Broad-scale patterns of genetic diversity and structure in a foundational salt marsh species black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus). CONSERV GENET 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-019-01183-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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12
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Bricker E, Calladine A, Virnstein R, Waycott M. Mega Clonality in an Aquatic Plant-A Potential Survival Strategy in a Changing Environment. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:435. [PMID: 29681912 PMCID: PMC5897627 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.00435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Many ecosystems are experiencing rapid transformations due to global environmental change. Understanding how ecological shifts affect species persistence is critical to modern management strategies. The edge of a species range is often where physiological tolerances are in conflict with ability to persist. Extreme examples of clonality over large spatial and temporal scales can occur where the life history of a species allows for it. We examine extreme clonality in an aquatic plant species at the edge if its range. Here we describe an ancient seagrass clone of unprecedented size inhabiting a 47 km stretch of a central Florida estuary, the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). Amongst the largest clones on earth detected, this Thalassia testudinum (turtlegrass) genet had ramets dispersed across 47 km of this water body. Indeed among 382 samples collections along the length of the IRL, 89% were a single shared multilocus genotype. Furthermore, this clone was the only genet detected at 63% of sample sites. The presence of such a large clone demonstrates they can form and persist over long periods. In addition, we must challenge the paradigm that fragmentation is not possible in this species. Reliance on clonality is an expected component of a classic 'bet-hedging' strategy enabling persistence on timescales typically not considered, including millennia. At locations near ocean inlets we did find a few other individuals of T. testudinum supporting the concept that recruitment is dispersal limited. These additional clones indicate there is the potential, albeit limited, for seeds based recruitment to occur when environmental conditions are favorable during a "window of opportunity." Extreme clonality represents a potential strategy for survival such that in the extreme, clonal populations of a species would be the first to decline or disappear if conditions extend beyond the adaptability of the local genotype. This disappearance possibility makes the species a potential sentinel of system decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Bricker
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Ainsley Calladine
- Department for Environment and Water, State Herbarium of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Michelle Waycott
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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13
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Matsuo A, Tomimatsu H, Sangetsu Y, Suyama Y, Makita A. Genet dynamics of a regenerating dwarf bamboo population across heterogeneous light environments in a temperate forest understorey. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:1746-1757. [PMID: 29435249 PMCID: PMC5792577 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the advantage of plant clonality in patchy environments, studies focusing on genet demography in relation to spatially heterogeneous environments remain scarce. Regeneration of bamboos in forest understoreys after synchronous die-off provides an opportunity for assessing how they come to proliferate across heterogeneous light environments. In a Japanese forest, we examined genet demography of a population of Sasa kurilensis over a 7-year period starting 10 years after die-off, shortly after which some genets began spreading horizontally by rhizomes. The aboveground biomass was estimated, and genets were discriminated in 9-m2 plots placed under both canopy gaps and closed canopies. Overall, the results suggest that the survival and spread of more productive genets and the spatial expansion of genets into closed canopies underlie the proliferation of S. kurilensis. Compared to canopy gaps, the recovery rate of biomass was much slower under closed canopies for the first 10 years after the die-off, but became accelerated during the next 7 years. Genet survival was greater for more productive genets (with greater initial number of culms), and the spaces occupied by genets that died were often colonized afterward by clonal growth of surviving genets. The number of genets decreased under canopy gaps due to greater mortality, but increased under closed canopies where greater number of genets colonized clonally from outside the plots than genets died. The colonizing genets were more productive (having larger culms) than those originally germinated within the plots, and the contribution of colonizing genets to the biomass was greater under closed canopies. Our study emphasizes the importance of investigating genet dynamics over relevant spatiotemporal scales to reveal processes underlying the success of clonal plants in heterogeneous habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi Matsuo
- Faculty of Bioresource SciencesAkita Prefectural UniversityAkitaJapan
| | | | - Yushin Sangetsu
- Faculty of Bioresource SciencesAkita Prefectural UniversityAkitaJapan
| | - Yoshihisa Suyama
- Field Science CenterGraduate School of Agricultural ScienceTohoku UniversityOsakiMiyagiJapan
| | - Akifumi Makita
- Faculty of Bioresource SciencesAkita Prefectural UniversityAkitaJapan
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14
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Allocation to clonal and sexual reproduction and its plasticity in
Vallisneria spinulosa
along a water‐depth gradient. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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15
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Kollars NM, Henry AK, Whalen MA, Boyer KE, Cusson M, Eklöf JS, Hereu CM, Jorgensen P, Kiriakopolos SL, Reynolds PL, Tomas F, Turner MS, Ruesink JL. Meta-Analysis of Reciprocal Linkages between Temperate Seagrasses and Waterfowl with Implications for Conservation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:2119. [PMID: 29312384 PMCID: PMC5744074 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.02119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Multi-trophic conservation and management strategies may be necessary if reciprocal linkages between primary producers and their consumers are strong. While herbivory on aquatic plants is well-studied, direct top-down control of seagrass populations has received comparatively little attention, particularly in temperate regions. Herein, we used qualitative and meta-analytic approaches to assess the scope and consequences of avian (primarily waterfowl) herbivory on temperate seagrasses of the genus Zostera. Meta-analyses revealed widespread evidence of spatio-temporal correlations between Zostera and waterfowl abundances as well as strong top-down effects of grazing on Zostera. We also documented the identity and diversity of avian species reported to consume Zostera and qualitatively assessed their potential to exert top-down control. Our results demonstrate that Zostera and their avian herbivores are ecologically linked and we suggest that bird herbivory may influence the spatial structure, composition, and functioning of the seagrass ecosystem. Therefore, the consequences of avian herbivory should be considered in the management of seagrass populations. Of particular concern are instances of seagrass overgrazing by waterfowl which result in long-term reductions in seagrass biomass or coverage, with subsequent impacts on local populations of waterfowl and other seagrass-affiliated species. While our results showed that bird density and type may affect the magnitude of the top-down effects of avian herbivory, empirical research on the strength, context-dependency, and indirect effects of waterfowl-Zostera interactions remains limited. For example, increased efforts that explicitly measure the effects of different functional groups of birds on seagrass abundance and/or document how climate change-driven shifts in waterfowl migratory patterns impact seagrass phenology and population structure will advance research programs for both ecologists and managers concerned with the joint conservation of both seagrasses and their avian herbivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M. Kollars
- Center for Population Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Amy K. Henry
- Committee on Evolutionary Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Matthew A. Whalen
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Hakai Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Katharyn E. Boyer
- Romberg Tiburon Center and Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, Tiburon, CA, United States
| | - Mathieu Cusson
- Département des Sciences Fondamentales & Québec-Océan, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC, Canada
| | - Johan S. Eklöf
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Clara M. Hereu
- Facultad de Ciencias Marinas, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada, Mexico
| | | | - Stephanie L. Kiriakopolos
- Romberg Tiburon Center and Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, Tiburon, CA, United States
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Pamela L. Reynolds
- Data Science Initiative, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Fiona Tomas
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados, Universitat de les Illes Balears – Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Esporles, Spain
| | - Mo S. Turner
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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16
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McMahon KM, Evans RD, van Dijk KJ, Hernawan U, Kendrick GA, Lavery PS, Lowe R, Puotinen M, Waycott M. Disturbance Is an Important Driver of Clonal Richness in Tropical Seagrasses. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:2026. [PMID: 29259609 PMCID: PMC5723400 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.02026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Clonality is common in many aquatic plant species, including seagrasses, where populations are maintained through a combination of asexual and sexual reproduction. One common measure used to describe the clonal structure of populations is clonal richness. Clonal richness is strongly dependent on the biological characteristics of the species, and how these interact with the environment but can also reflect evolutionary scale processes especially at the edge of species ranges. However, little is known about the spatial patterns and drivers of clonal richness in tropical seagrasses. This study assessed the spatial patterns of clonal richness in meadows of three tropical seagrass species, Thalassia hemprichii, Halodule uninervis, and Halophila ovalis, spanning a range of life-history strategies and spatial scales (2.5-4,711 km) in Indonesia and NW Australia. We further investigated the drivers of clonal richness using general additive mixed models for two of the species, H. uninervis and H. ovalis, over 8° latitude. No significant patterns were observed in clonal richness with latitude, yet disturbance combined with sea surface temperature strongly predicted spatial patterns of clonal richness. Sites with a high probability of cyclone disturbance had low clonal richness, whereas an intermediate probability of cyclone disturbance and the presence of dugong grazing combined with higher sea surface temperatures resulted in higher levels of clonal richness. We propose potential mechanisms for these patterns related to the recruitment and mortality rates of individuals as well as reproductive effort. Under a changing climate, increased severity of tropical cyclones and the decline in populations of mega-grazers have the potential to reduce clonal richness leading to less genetically diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. McMahon
- School of Science and Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Western Australian Marine Science Institution, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Richard D. Evans
- Marine Science Program, Science and Conservation Division, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, WA, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- UWA Oceans Institute, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Kor-jent van Dijk
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Udhi Hernawan
- School of Science and Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Pusat Penelitian Oseanografi - Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Gary A. Kendrick
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- UWA Oceans Institute, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Paul S. Lavery
- School of Science and Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Western Australian Marine Science Institution, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Blanes, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Blanes, Spain
| | - Ryan Lowe
- UWA Oceans Institute, Crawley, WA, Australia
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Marji Puotinen
- Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Australian Institute of Marine Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Michelle Waycott
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- State Herbarium of South Australia, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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17
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Ohbayashi K, Hodoki Y, I Kondo N, Kunii H, Shimada M. A massive tsunami promoted gene flow and increased genetic diversity in a near threatened plant species. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10933. [PMID: 28883435 PMCID: PMC5589756 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11270-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The magnitude and frequency of disturbances affect species diversity and spatial distributions, but the direct effects of large-scale disturbances on genetic diversity are poorly understood. On March 11, 2011, the Great Tohoku Earthquake in Japan caused a massive tsunami that resulted in substantial alteration of community compositions. Populations of a near-threatened tidal marsh Carex rugulosa inhabiting brackish sandbars was also affected. We found four out of six remnant C. rugulosa populations along the Pacific Ocean had become completely extinct. Newly emergent post-tsunami populations, however, had higher allelic numbers than pre-tsunami populations, indicating higher genetic diversity after the tsunami. In addition, genetic differentiation (Fst) between post-tsunami populations was significantly lower than that of pre-tsunami populations. We therefore conclude that the tsunami enhanced gene flow. Seeds of many Carex species persist for long periods in soil, which suggests that seed banks are important genetic resources for post-disturbance recovery of genetic diversity. When its brackish sandbar habitat is no longer subject to disturbance and changes to the land, C. rugulosa is outcompeted by terrestrial plant competitors and eliminated. Disturbance is a driving force for the recovery and maintenance of populations of species such as C. rugulosa—even after near-complete eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kako Ohbayashi
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan. .,Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2113, Japan.
| | - Yoshikuni Hodoki
- Department of Biology, Keio University, Hiyoshi, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8521, Japan.,Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2113, Japan
| | - Natsuko I Kondo
- Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem Studies, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Hidenobu Kunii
- Estuary Research Center, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane, 690-8504, Japan
| | - Masakazu Shimada
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
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18
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Jahnke M, Olsen JL, Procaccini G. A meta-analysis reveals a positive correlation between genetic diversity metrics and environmental status in the long-lived seagrass Posidonia oceanica. Mol Ecol 2015; 24:2336-48. [PMID: 25819368 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The seagrass Posidonia oceanica is a key engineering species structuring coastal marine systems throughout much of the Mediterranean basin. Its decline is of concern, leading to the search for short- and long-term indicators of seagrass health. Using ArcGIS maps from a recent, high-resolution (1-4 km) modelling study of 18 disturbance factors affecting coastal marine systems across the Mediterranean (Micheli et al. 2013, http://globalmarine.nceas.ucsb.edu/mediterranean/), we tested for correlations with genetic diversity metrics (allelic diversity, genotypic/clonal diversity and heterozygosity) in a meta-analysis of 56 meadows. Contrary to initial predictions, weak but significantly positive correlations were found for commercial shipping, organic pollution (pesticides) and cumulative impact. This counterintuitive finding suggests greater resistance and resilience of individuals with higher genetic and genotypic diversity under disturbance (at least for a time) and/or increased sexual reproduction under an intermediate disturbance model. We interpret the absence of low and medium levels of genetic variation at impacted locations as probable local extinctions of individuals that already exceeded their resistance capacity. Alternatively, high diversity at high-impact sites is likely a temporal artefact, reflecting the mismatch with pre-environmental impact conditions, especially because flowering and sexual recruitment are seldom observed. While genetic diversity metrics are a valuable tool for restoration and mitigation, caution must be exercised in the interpretation of correlative patterns as found in this study, because the exceptional longevity of individuals creates a temporal mismatch that may falsely suggest good meadow health status, while gradual deterioration of allelic diversity might go unnoticed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Jahnke
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
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19
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Fukui S, Araki KS. Spatial niche facilitates clonal reproduction in seed plants under temporal disturbance. PLoS One 2014; 9:e116111. [PMID: 25549330 PMCID: PMC4280169 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary origins and advantages of clonal reproduction relative to sexual reproduction have been discussed for several taxonomic groups. In particular, organisms with a sessile lifestyle are often exposed to spatial and temporal environmental fluctuations. Thus, clonal propagation may be advantageous in such fluctuating environments, for sessile species that can reproduce both sexually and clonally. Here we introduce the concept of niche to a lattice space that changes spatially and temporally, by incorporating the compatibility between the characteristics of a sessile clonal plant with its habitat into a spatially explicit individual-based model. We evaluate the impact of spatially and temporally heterogeneous environments on the evolution of reproductive strategies: the optimal balance between seed and clonal reproduction of a clonal plant. The spatial niche case with local habitats led to avoidance of specialization in reproductive strategy, whereas stable environments or intensive environmental change tended to result in specialization in either clonal or seed reproduction under neutral conditions. Furthermore, an increase in spatial niches made clonal reproduction advantageous, as a consequence of competition among several genets under disturbed conditions, because a ramet reached a favorable habitat through a rare long-distance dispersal event via seed production. Thus, the existence of spatial niches could explain the advantages of clonal propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Fukui
- Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
- Agro-Meteorology Division, National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Kiwako S. Araki
- Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
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20
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Oliva S, Romero J, Pérez M, Manent P, Mascaró O, Serrão EA, Coelho N, Alberto F. Reproductive strategies and isolation-by-demography in a marine clonal plant along an eutrophication gradient. Mol Ecol 2014; 23:5698-711. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Oliva
- Departament d'Ecologia; Universitat de Barcelona; Avda. Diagonal 643 08028 Barcelona Spain
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Natura e del Territorio; Università degli Studi di Sassari; Via Piandanna 4 Sassari 07100 Italy
| | - Javier Romero
- Departament d'Ecologia; Universitat de Barcelona; Avda. Diagonal 643 08028 Barcelona Spain
| | - Marta Pérez
- Departament d'Ecologia; Universitat de Barcelona; Avda. Diagonal 643 08028 Barcelona Spain
| | - Pablo Manent
- Instituto Canario de Ciencias Marinas; Ctra Taliarte s/n Telde 35200 Spain
| | - Oriol Mascaró
- Departament d'Ecologia; Universitat de Barcelona; Avda. Diagonal 643 08028 Barcelona Spain
| | - Ester A. Serrão
- CCMAR; University of Algarve; Campus de Gambelas Faro 8005-139 Portugal
| | - Nelson Coelho
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Milwaukee WI 53201 USA
| | - Filipe Alberto
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Milwaukee WI 53201 USA
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21
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Bressan EA, Rossi ML, Gerald LTS, Figueira A. Extraction of high-quality DNA from ethanol-preserved tropical plant tissues. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:268. [PMID: 24761774 PMCID: PMC4005624 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Proper conservation of plant samples, especially during remote field collection, is essential to assure quality of extracted DNA. Tropical plant species contain considerable amounts of secondary compounds, such as polysaccharides, phenols, and latex, which affect DNA quality during extraction. The suitability of ethanol (96% v/v) as a preservative solution prior to DNA extraction was evaluated using leaves of Jatropha curcas and other tropical species. Results Total DNA extracted from leaf samples stored in liquid nitrogen or ethanol from J. curcas and other tropical species (Theobroma cacao, Coffea arabica, Ricinus communis, Saccharum spp., and Solanum lycopersicon) was similar in quality, with high-molecular-weight DNA visualized by gel electrophoresis. DNA quality was confirmed by digestion with EcoRI or HindIII and by amplification of the ribosomal gene internal transcribed spacer region. Leaf tissue of J. curcas was analyzed by light and transmission electron microscopy before and after exposure to ethanol. Our results indicate that leaf samples can be successfully preserved in ethanol for long periods (30 days) as a viable method for fixation and conservation of DNA from leaves. The success of this technique is likely due to reduction or inactivation of secondary metabolites that could contaminate or degrade genomic DNA. Conclusions Tissue conservation in 96% ethanol represents an attractive low-cost alternative to commonly used methods for preservation of samples for DNA extraction. This technique yields DNA of equivalent quality to that obtained from fresh or frozen tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Antonio Figueira
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Tecnologia e Inovação para Sustentabilidade da Agricultura, Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo, Av, Centenário, 303, CP 96, 13400-970 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
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22
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Hidding B, Meirmans PG, Klaassen M, de Boer T, Ouborg NJJ, Wagemaker CAMN, Nolet BA. The effect of herbivores on genotypic diversity in a clonal aquatic plant. OIKOS 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.01136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bert Hidding
- Dept of Aquatic Ecology; Netherlands Inst. of Ecology; Droevendaalsesteeg 10 NL-6708 PB Wageningen the Netherlands
- Witteveen + Bos consulting engineers, Ecology group; PO Box 233, NL-7400 AE Deventer the Netherlands
| | - Patrick G. Meirmans
- Inst. for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, Univ. of Amsterdam; PO Box 94248, NL-1090 GE Amsterdam the Netherlands
| | - Marcel Klaassen
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin Univ.; Waurn Ponds VIC 3216 Australia
| | - Thijs de Boer
- Dept of Aquatic Ecology; Netherlands Inst. of Ecology; Droevendaalsesteeg 10 NL-6708 PB Wageningen the Netherlands
| | - N. J. Joop Ouborg
- Section Molecular Ecology, Inst. for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud Univ. Nijmegen, Toernooiveld; NL-6525 ED Nijmegen the Netherlands
| | - C. A. M. Niels Wagemaker
- Section Molecular Ecology, Inst. for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud Univ. Nijmegen, Toernooiveld; NL-6525 ED Nijmegen the Netherlands
| | - Bart A. Nolet
- Dept of Animal Ecology; Netherlands Inst. of Ecology; Droevendaalsesteeg 10 NL-6708 PB Wageningen the Netherlands
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23
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Macreadie PI, York PH, Sherman CD. Resilience of Zostera muelleri seagrass to small-scale disturbances: the relative importance of asexual versus sexual recovery. Ecol Evol 2014; 4:450-61. [PMID: 24634729 PMCID: PMC3936391 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Revised: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Resilience is the ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbance without loss of essential function. Seagrass ecosystems are key marine and estuarine habitats that are under threat from a variety of natural and anthropogenic disturbances. The ability of these ecosystems to recovery from disturbance will to a large extent depend on the internsity and scale of the disturbance, and the relative importance of sexual versus asexual reproduction within populations. Here, we investigated the resilience of Zostera muelleri seagrass (Syn. Zostera capricorni) to small-scale disturbances at four locations in Lake Macquarie – Australia's largest coastal lake – and monitored recovery over a 65-week period. Resilience of Z. muelleri varied significantly with disturbance intensity; Z. muelleri recovered rapidly (within 2 weeks) from low-intensity disturbance (shoot loss), and rates of recovery appeared related to initial shoot length. Recovery via rhizome encroachment (asexual regeneration) from high-intensity disturbance (loss of entire plant) varied among locations, ranging from 18-35 weeks, whereas the ability to recover was apparently lost (at least within the time frame of this study) when recovery depended on sexual regeneration, suggesting that seeds do not provide a mechanism of recovery against intense small-scale disturbances. The lack of sexual recruits into disturbed sites is surprising as our initial surveys of genotypic diversity (using nine polymorphic microsatellite loci) at these location indicate that populations are maintained by a mix of sexual and asexual reproduction (genotypic diversity [R] varied from 0.24 to 0.44), and populations consisted of a mosaic of genotypes with on average 3.6 unique multilocus genotypes per 300 mm diameter plot. We therefore conclude that Z. muelleri populations within Lake Macquarie rely on clonal growth to recover from small-scale disturbances and that ongoing sexual recruitment by seeds into established seagrass beds (as opposed to bare areas arising from disturbance) must be the mechanism responsible for maintaining the observed mixed genetic composition of Z. muelleri seagrass meadows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter I Macreadie
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability (CEnS), School of the Environment, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales, 2007, Australia ; Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster (C3), School of the Environment, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales, 2007, Australia
| | - Paul H York
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability (CEnS), School of the Environment, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales, 2007, Australia ; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Craig Dh Sherman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University Victoria, 3216, Australia
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24
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Zhang Y, Zhang L, Zhao X, Huang S, Zhao J. Effects of tidal action on pollination and reproductive allocation in an estuarine emergent wetland plant-Sagittaria graminea (Alismataceae). PLoS One 2013; 8:e78956. [PMID: 24244393 PMCID: PMC3823993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In estuarine wetlands, the daily periodic tidal activity has a profound effect on plant growth and reproduction. We studied the effects of tidal action on pollination and reproductive allocation of Sagittaria graminea. Results showed that the species had very different reproductive allocation in tidal and non-tidal habitats. In the tidal area, seed production was only 9.7% of that in non-tidal habitat, however, plants produced more male flowers and nearly twice the corms compared to those in non-tidal habitat. An experiment showed that the time available for effective pollination determined the pollination rate and pollen deposition in the tidal area. A control experiment suggested that low pollen deposition from low visitation frequency is not the main cause of very low seed sets or seed production in this plant in tidal habitat. The negative effects of tides (water) on pollen germination may surpass the influence of low pollen deposition from low visitation frequency. The length of time from pollen deposition to flower being submerged by water affected pollen germination rate on stigmas; more than three hours is necessary to allow pollen germination and complete fertilization to eliminate the risk of pollen grains being washed away by tidal water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwen Zhang
- Department of Biology, Eastern Liaoning University, Dandong, China
- Department of Biology, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Lihui Zhang
- Department of Biology, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Xingnan Zhao
- Department of Biology, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Shengjun Huang
- Department of Biology, Eastern Liaoning University, Dandong, China
| | - Jimin Zhao
- Department of Biology, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, China
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25
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Massa SI, Paulino CM, Serrão EA, Duarte CM, Arnaud-Haond S. Entangled effects of allelic and clonal (genotypic) richness in the resistance and resilience of experimental populations of the seagrass Zostera noltii to diatom invasion. BMC Ecol 2013; 13:39. [PMID: 24152760 PMCID: PMC3818440 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6785-13-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between species diversity and components of ecosystem stability has been extensively studied, whilst the influence of the genetic component of biodiversity remains poorly understood. Here we manipulated both genotypic and allelic richness of the seagrass Zostera noltii, in order to explore their respective influences on the resistance of the experimental population to stress. Thus far intra-specific diversity was seldom taken into account in management plans, and restoration actions showed very low success. Information is therefore needed to understand the factors affecting resistance and resilience of populations. RESULTS Our results show a positive influence of both allelic and genotypic richness on the resistance of meadows to environmental perturbations. They also show that at the low genotypic (i.e. clonal) richness levels used in prior experimental approaches, the effects of genotypic and allelic richness could not be disentangled and allelic richness was a likely hidden treatment explaining at least part of the effects hitherto attributed to genotypic richness. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these results emphasize the need to acknowledge and take into account the interdependency of both genotypic and allelic richness in experimental designs attempting to estimate their importance alone or in combination. A positive influence of allelic richness on resistance to perturbations, and of allelic richness combined with genotypic richness on the recovery (resilience) of the experimental populations is supported by differential mortality. These results, on the key species structuring of one of the most threatened coastal ecosystem worldwide, seagrass meadows, support the need to better take into account the distinct compartments of clonal and genetic diversity in management strategies, and in possible restoration plans in the future.
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26
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Coyer JA, Hoarau G, Kuo J, Tronholm A, Veldsink J, Olsen JL. Phylogeny and temporal divergence of the seagrass family Zosteraceae using one nuclear and three chloroplast loci. SYST BIODIVERS 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2013.821187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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27
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Wang YJ, Shi XP, Zhong ZC. The relative importance of sexual reproduction and clonal propagation in rhizomatous herb Iris japonica Thunb. from two habitats of Jinyun Mountain, Southwest China. RUSS J ECOL+ 2013. [DOI: 10.1134/s106741361303017x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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28
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Hurricane-driven patterns of clonality in an ecosystem engineer: the Caribbean coral Montastraea annularis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53283. [PMID: 23308185 PMCID: PMC3538762 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
K-selected species with low rates of sexual recruitment may utilise storage effects where low adult mortality allows a number of individuals to persist through time until a favourable recruitment period occurs. Alternative methods of recruitment may become increasingly important for such species if the availability of favourable conditions for sexual recruitment decline under rising anthropogenic disturbance and climate change. Here, we test the hypotheses that asexual dispersal is an integral life history strategy not only in branching corals, as previously reported, but also in a columnar, ‘K-selected’ coral species, and that its prevalence is driven by the frequency of severe hurricane disturbance. Montastraea annularis is a long-lived major frame-work builder of Caribbean coral reefs but its survival is threatened by the consequences of climate induced disturbance, such as bleaching, ocean acidification and increased prevalence of disease. 700 M. annularis samples from 18 reefs within the Caribbean were genotyped using six polymorphic microsatellite loci. We demonstrate that asexual reproduction occurs at varying frequency across the species-range and significantly contributes to the local abundance of M. annularis, with its contribution increasing in areas with greater hurricane frequency. We tested several competing hypotheses that might explain the observed pattern of genotypic diversity. 64% of the variation in genotypic diversity among the sites was explained by hurricane incidence and reef slope, demonstrating that large-scale disturbances combine with local habitat characteristics to shape the balance between sexual and asexual reproduction in populations of M. annularis.
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29
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Chelsky Budarf A, Burfeind DD, Loh WKW, Tibbetts IR. Identification of seagrasses in the gut of a marine herbivorous fish using DNA barcoding and visual inspection techniques. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2011; 79:112-121. [PMID: 21722114 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2011.02999.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Traditional visual diet analysis techniques were compared with DNA barcoding in juvenile herbivorous rabbitfish Siganus fuscescens collected in Moreton Bay, Australia, where at least six species of seagrass occur. The intergenic spacer trnH-psbA, suggested as the optimal gene for barcoding angiosperms, was used for the first time to identify the seagrass in fish guts. Four seagrass species and one alga were identified visually from gut contents; however, there was considerable uncertainty in visual identification with 38 of 40 fish having unidentifiable plant fragments in their gut. PCR and single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) were able to discriminate three seagrass families from visually cryptic gut contents. While effective in identifying cryptic gut content to family level, this novel method is likely to be most efficient when paired with visual identification techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Chelsky Budarf
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
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30
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Vogler F, Reisch C. Genetic variation on the rocks - the impact of climbing on the population ecology of a typical cliff plant. J Appl Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2011.01992.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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31
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Zipperle AM, Coyer JA, Reise K, Stam WT, Olsen JL. An evaluation of small-scale genetic diversity and the mating system in Zostera noltii on an intertidal sandflat in the Wadden Sea. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2011; 107:127-34. [PMID: 21036695 PMCID: PMC3002472 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcq214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The dwarf eelgrass, Zostera noltii, is a predominant inhabitant of soft-bottom intertidal regions along the coasts of northern Europe. It is a monoecious, protogynous angiosperm in which the potential for self-fertilization and inbreeding are high, especially if clone sizes exceed pollen dispersal distances. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between mating system and clonal structure, examine the relative roles of geitonogamous selfing and biparental inbreeding, measure pollen availability (multiple paternities) and estimate pollen dispersal. METHODS A 100-m(2) plot was established in a large, intertidal Z. noltii meadow on the island of Sylt in the German Wadden Sea. A total of 256 adult shoots was sampled: one from the centre of 100 fixed 1-m(2) quadrats (large scale resolution) and an additional 156 from within eight randomly selected 1-m(2) sub-quadrats (small-scale resolution). DNA was extracted from seeds and leaf tissue of all samples and genotyped with nine microsatellite loci. KEY RESULTS Mating system analysis revealed high multilocus and single locus outcrossing rates. Average pollen dispersal distance was nearly the same as the average genet (clone) size. Multiple paternity was common and 20-30 % of mature seeds originated from matings within the plot. Among inbred seeds, most resulted from geitonogamy rather than biparental inbreeding. CONCLUSIONS Moderate disturbances intrinsic to the intertidal habitat appear to facilitate seed recruitment by gap formation. Pollen dispersal distances are sufficient to maintain outcrossing and high clonal diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas M. Zipperle
- Department of Marine Benthic Ecology & Evolution, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, Centre for Life Sciences, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
- For correspondence: E-mail
| | - James A. Coyer
- Department of Marine Benthic Ecology & Evolution, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, Centre for Life Sciences, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Karsten Reise
- Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Wadden Sea Station Sylt, 25992 List, Germany
| | - Wytze T. Stam
- Department of Marine Benthic Ecology & Evolution, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, Centre for Life Sciences, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeanine L. Olsen
- Department of Marine Benthic Ecology & Evolution, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, Centre for Life Sciences, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
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Becheler R, Diekmann O, Hily C, Moalic Y, Arnaud-Haond S. The concept of population in clonal organisms: mosaics of temporally colonized patches are forming highly diverse meadows of Zostera marina in Brittany. Mol Ecol 2010; 19:2394-407. [PMID: 20465589 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2010.04649.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Seagrasses structure some of the world's key coastal ecosystems presently in decline due to human activities and global change. The ability to cope with environmental changes and the possibilities for shifts in distribution range depend largely on their evolvability and dispersal potential. As large-scale data usually show strong genetic structure for seagrasses, finer-grained work is needed to understand the local processes of dispersal, recruitment and colonization that could explain the apparent lack of exchange across large distances. We aimed to assess the fine-grained genetic structure of one of the most important and widely distributed seagrasses, Zostera marina, from seven meadows in Brittany, France. Both classic population genetics and network analysis confirmed a pattern of spatial segregation of polymorphism at both regional and local scales. One location exhibiting exclusively the variety 'angustifolia' did not appear more differentiated than the others, but instead showed a central position in the network analysis, confirming the status of this variety as an ecotype. This phenotypic diversity and the high allelic richness at nine microsatellites (2.33-9.67 alleles/locus) compared to levels previously reported across the distribution range, points to Brittany as a centre of diversity for Z. marina at both genetic and phenotypic levels. Despite dispersal potential of several 100 m, a significant pattern of genetic differentiation, even at fine-grained scale, revealed 'genetic patchiness'. Meadows seem to be composed of a mosaic of clones with distinct origins in space and time, a result that calls into question the accuracy of the concept of populations for such partially clonal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Becheler
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Environnement Profond, Centre de Brest BP70, 29 280 Plouzané, France
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Wilk JA, Kramer AT, Ashley MV. High variation in clonal vs. sexual reproduction in populations of the wild strawberry, Fragaria virginiana (Rosaceae). ANNALS OF BOTANY 2009; 104:1413-9. [PMID: 19797422 PMCID: PMC2778387 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcp239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2009] [Revised: 06/12/2009] [Accepted: 08/11/2009] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Many plants reproduce both clonally and sexually, and the balance between the two modes of reproduction will vary among populations. Clonal reproduction was characterized in three populations of the wild strawberry, Fragaria virginiana, to determine the extent that reproductive mode varied locally between sites. The study sites were fragmented woodlands in Cook County, Illinois, USA. METHODS A total of 95 strawberry ramets were sampled from the three sites via transects. Ramets were mapped and genotyped at five variable microsatellite loci. The variability at these five loci was sufficient to assign plants to clones with high confidence, and the spatial pattern of genets was mapped at each site. KEY RESULTS A total of 27 distinct multilocus genotypes were identified. Of these, 18 genotypes were detected only once, with the remaining nine detected in multiple ramets. The largest clone was identified in 16 ramets. No genets were shared between sites, and each site exhibited markedly different clonal and sexual recruitment patterns, ranging from two non-overlapping and widespread genets to 19 distinct genets. Only one flowering genet was female; the remainder were hermaphrodites. CONCLUSIONS Local population history or fine-scale ecological differences can result in dramatically different reproductive patterns at small spatial scales. This finding may be fairly widespread among clonal plant species, and studies that aim to characterize reproductive modes in species capable of asexual reproduction need to evaluate reproductive modes in multiple populations and sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A. Wilk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, M/C 066, 845 W. Taylor St, Chicago IL 60607, USA
| | - Andrea T. Kramer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, M/C 066, 845 W. Taylor St, Chicago IL 60607, USA
- Botanic Gardens Conservation International and Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA
| | - Mary V. Ashley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, M/C 066, 845 W. Taylor St, Chicago IL 60607, USA
- For correspondence. E-mail
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Zipperle AM, Coyer JA, Reise K, Gitz E, Stam WT, Olsen JL. Clonal architecture in an intertidal bed of the dwarf eelgrass Zostera noltii in the Northern Wadden Sea: persistence through extreme physical perturbation and the importance of a seed bank. MARINE BIOLOGY 2009; 156:2139-2148. [PMID: 24391236 PMCID: PMC3873049 DOI: 10.1007/s00227-009-1244-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2009] [Accepted: 06/18/2009] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Genotypic structure and temporal dynamics of the dwarf seagrass, Zostera noltii, were studied in an intertidal meadow that has persisted since prior to 1936 near the Wadden Sea island of Sylt. Samples were collected from two 10 × 10 m plots separated by 250 m from May 2002 to June 2005 and from four 1 × 1 m plots from June 2003 to September 2004. All the samples were genotyped with nine microsatellite loci. No genotypes were shared between the plots separated by 250 m. Genetic diversity was higher in the Wadden Sea than in the other regions of its geographic range. The average clone size (genets) (SD) in the two plots was 1.38 (0.26) and 1.46 (0.4) m², respectively, with a range up to 9 m² and <20% persisted for >4 years. A high genetic and genotypic diversity was maintained by annual recruitment of seedlings despite a dramatic decrease in ramet density that coincided with the severe heat stress event of 2003. Fine-scale (1 m²) analysis suggested that extensive loss of seagrass cover precluded space competition among the genets, while a persistent seed bank prevented local extinction. Long-term persistence of Z. noltii meadows in the intertidal Wadden Sea was achieved by high genet turnover and frequent seedling recruitment from a seed bank, in contrast to the low diversity observed in large and long-living clones of Z. noltii and other seagrasses in subtidal habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas M. Zipperle
- Department of Marine Benthic Ecology and Evolution, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, Biological Centre, University of Groningen, Kerklaan 30, 9750 AA Haren, The Netherlands
| | - James A. Coyer
- Department of Marine Benthic Ecology and Evolution, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, Biological Centre, University of Groningen, Kerklaan 30, 9750 AA Haren, The Netherlands
| | - Karsten Reise
- Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Wadden Sea Station Sylt, 25992 List, Germany
| | - Eelo Gitz
- Department of Marine Benthic Ecology and Evolution, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, Biological Centre, University of Groningen, Kerklaan 30, 9750 AA Haren, The Netherlands
| | - Wytze T. Stam
- Department of Marine Benthic Ecology and Evolution, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, Biological Centre, University of Groningen, Kerklaan 30, 9750 AA Haren, The Netherlands
| | - Jeanine L. Olsen
- Department of Marine Benthic Ecology and Evolution, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, Biological Centre, University of Groningen, Kerklaan 30, 9750 AA Haren, The Netherlands
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Araki K, Ohara M. Reproductive demography of ramets and genets in a rhizomatous clonal plant Convallaria keiskei. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2008; 121:147-154. [PMID: 18217195 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-007-0141-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2007] [Accepted: 11/21/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Clonal growth occurring below the ground makes it difficult to identify individuals and demonstrate the demographic features of a focal plant species. In this study, genotypically identified ramets of a rhizomatous clonal herb, Convallaria keiskei Miq., were monitored for their growth, survival, and reproduction from 2003 to 2006. After the monitoring period, their subterranean organs were excavated to explore the underground connections of established ramets and the direction of clonal growth. We then combined data on the fate of the monitored ramets with the information of rhizome connections, clarifying reproductive demography at both the ramet and genet levels. Although each ramet initiated both sexual reproduction (via flowering) and clonal growth, clonal growth tended to precede sexual reproduction. In a surveyed genet, 51.0% of ramets produced flowers and 29.6% generated clonal offspring during the study period. Consequently, we clarified the reproductive demography of C. keiskei: clonal growth tended to precede flowering in a ramet, and a genet can keep reproducing every season at the genet level, despite a ramet not having inflorescence every year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiwako Araki
- Course in Ecological Genetics, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
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SLOTTA TRACEYABODO, BRADY LEE, CHAO SHIAOMAN. High throughput tissue preparation for large-scale genotyping experiments. Mol Ecol Resour 2008; 8:83-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-8286.2007.01907.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Feed-backs between genetic structure and perturbation-driven decline in seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) meadows. CONSERV GENET 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-007-9288-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Brun FG, Cummaudo F, Olivé I, Vergara JJ, Pérez-Lloréns JL. Clonal extent, apical dominance and networking features in the phalanx angiosperm Zostera noltii Hornem. MARINE BIOLOGY 2007; 151:1917-1927. [PMID: 30363820 PMCID: PMC6182604 DOI: 10.1007/s00227-007-0627-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2006] [Accepted: 01/17/2007] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Disaggregating seagrass meadows and studying its components separately (clones, ramets, shoots) can provide us insights on meadow dynamics and growth patterns. The clonal growth, dependent upon clonal rules may regulate and impose constraints to plant architecture and, therefore, determine how individual clones evolve into the environment. In order to investigate the relationship between clonal growth rules and clone architecture, the belowground network architecture of single-clones of the seagrass Zostera noltii was studied. Networks were traced in situ after washing out the overlying sediment, and network characteristics were measured using digital analysis: area covered by clone, total rhizome length, type of rhizomatic axes (main, secondary, tertiary, quaternary), number and length of the internodes, branching angles and branching frequencies. This approach revealed that Z. noltii is able to develop into large clones integrating up to 300 internodes, 676 cm of rhizome, 208 shoots and 4,300 cm2 of plant area. Internodal length depended on both, the distance to the apical shoot (time effect) and the axes type (apical dominance effect). However, average branching angle was independent of axis type (average 58.3 ± 0.75), but varied significantly depending on the distance from the apical shoot. This average branching angle allows Z. noltii maximize the rate of centrifugal expansion, maintaining a high density in colonized areas to produce close stands but also minimizing the investment in belowground biomass and ramets overlapping. The clonal architecture of Z. noltii seems to be regulated by the interaction of both, apical dominance strength and clonal integration distance. Moreover, clonal growth rules and growth pattern seem to constrain clonality through (clonal) plant architecture regulations (i.e. branching is restricted in secondary axes, similar average branching angles regardless the axes, the higher the distance to the apex the higher the number of internodes in secondary axes, shorter internodes in secondary and tertiary axes). Future research efforts should focus on how these complex relationships between apical dominance and clonal integration interact to elucidate the temporal (seasonal) and spatial scales of both processes and the outcome at the plant architectural level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando G. Brun
- Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Centre for Estuarine and Marine Ecology, Korringaweg 7, 4401 NT Yerseke, The Netherlands
- Departamento de Biología. Área de Ecología, Universidad de Cádiz, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Fabio Cummaudo
- Ecology and Computational Hydrodynamics in Oceanography, Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale (OGS), Borgo Grotta Gigante 42/C, 34010 Sgonico, Trieste, Italy
| | - Irene Olivé
- Departamento de Biología. Área de Ecología, Universidad de Cádiz, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Juan José Vergara
- Departamento de Biología. Área de Ecología, Universidad de Cádiz, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - José Lucas Pérez-Lloréns
- Departamento de Biología. Área de Ecología, Universidad de Cádiz, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
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Baums IB, Miller MW, Hellberg ME. GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION IN CLONAL STRUCTURE IN A REEF-BUILDING CARIBBEAN CORAL,ACROPORA PALMATA. ECOL MONOGR 2006. [DOI: 10.1890/0012-9615(2006)076[0503:gvicsi]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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