1
|
Wesselmann M, Hendriks IE, Johnson M, Jordà G, Mineur F, Marbà N. Increasing spread rates of tropical non-native macrophytes in the Mediterranean Sea. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17249. [PMID: 38572713 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Warming as well as species introductions have increased over the past centuries, however a link between cause and effect of these two phenomena is still unclear. Here we use distribution records (1813-2023) to reconstruct the invasion histories of marine non-native macrophytes, macroalgae and seagrasses, in the Mediterranean Sea. We defined expansion as the maximum linear rate of spread (km year-1) and the accumulation of occupied grid cells (50 km2) over time and analyzed the relation between expansion rates and the species' thermal conditions at its native distribution range. Our database revealed a marked increase in the introductions and spread rates of non-native macrophytes in the Mediterranean Sea since the 1960s, notably intensifying after the 1990s. During the beginning of this century species velocity of invasion has increased to 26 ± 9 km2 year-1, with an acceleration in the velocity of invasion of tropical/subtropical species, exceeding those of temperate and cosmopolitan macrophytes. The highest spread rates since then were observed in macrophytes coming from native regions with minimum SSTs two to three degrees warmer than in the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, most non-native macrophytes in the Mediterranean (>80%) do not exceed the maximum temperature of their range of origin, whereas approximately half of the species are exposed to lower minimum SST in the Mediterranean than in their native range. This indicates that tropical/subtropical macrophytes might be able to expand as they are not limited by the colder Mediterranean SST due to the plasticity of their lower thermal limit. These results suggest that future warming will increase the thermal habitat available for thermophilic species in the Mediterranean Sea and continue to favor their expansion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Wesselmann
- Global Change Research Group, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, Esporles, Spain
| | - Iris E Hendriks
- Global Change Research Group, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, Esporles, Spain
| | - Mark Johnson
- School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, University of Galway, Ireland
| | - Gabriel Jordà
- Instituto Espanol de Oceanografía, Centre Oceanografic de Balears, Palma, Spain
| | - Frederic Mineur
- School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, University of Galway, Ireland
| | - Núria Marbà
- Global Change Research Group, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, Esporles, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lavecchia A, Fosso B, Engelen AH, Borin S, Manzari C, Picardi E, Pesole G, Placido A. Macroalgal microbiomes unveil a valuable genetic resource for halogen metabolism. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:47. [PMID: 38454513 PMCID: PMC10919026 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01740-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macroalgae, especially reds (Rhodophyta Division) and browns (Phaeophyta Division), are known for producing various halogenated compounds. Yet, the reasons underlying their production and the fate of these metabolites remain largely unknown. Some theories suggest their potential antimicrobial activity and involvement in interactions between macroalgae and prokaryotes. However, detailed investigations are currently missing on how the genetic information of prokaryotic communities associated with macroalgae may influence the fate of organohalogenated molecules. RESULTS To address this challenge, we created a specialized dataset containing 161 enzymes, each with a complete enzyme commission number, known to be involved in halogen metabolism. This dataset served as a reference to annotate the corresponding genes encoded in both the metagenomic contigs and 98 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) obtained from the microbiome of 2 red (Sphaerococcus coronopifolius and Asparagopsis taxiformis) and 1 brown (Halopteris scoparia) macroalgae. We detected many dehalogenation-related genes, particularly those with hydrolytic functions, suggesting their potential involvement in the degradation of a wide spectrum of halocarbons and haloaromatic molecules, including anthropogenic compounds. We uncovered an array of degradative gene functions within MAGs, spanning various bacterial orders such as Rhodobacterales, Rhizobiales, Caulobacterales, Geminicoccales, Sphingomonadales, Granulosicoccales, Microtrichales, and Pseudomonadales. Less abundant than degradative functions, we also uncovered genes associated with the biosynthesis of halogenated antimicrobial compounds and metabolites. CONCLUSION The functional data provided here contribute to understanding the still largely unexplored role of unknown prokaryotes. These findings support the hypothesis that macroalgae function as holobionts, where the metabolism of halogenated compounds might play a role in symbiogenesis and act as a possible defense mechanism against environmental chemical stressors. Furthermore, bacterial groups, previously never connected with organohalogen metabolism, e.g., Caulobacterales, Geminicoccales, Granulosicoccales, and Microtrichales, functionally characterized through MAGs reconstruction, revealed a biotechnologically relevant gene content, useful in synthetic biology, and bioprospecting applications. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lavecchia
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Bruno Fosso
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Aschwin H Engelen
- Center of Marine Sciences (CCMar), University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Sara Borin
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Caterina Manzari
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Ernesto Picardi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, Bari, 70124, Italy
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council of Italy, Via Giovanni Amendola, Bari, 122/O, 70126, Italy
| | - Graziano Pesole
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, Bari, 70124, Italy
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council of Italy, Via Giovanni Amendola, Bari, 122/O, 70126, Italy
| | - Antonio Placido
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council of Italy, Via Giovanni Amendola, Bari, 122/O, 70126, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Golo R, Vergés A, Díaz-Tapia P, Cebrian E. Implications of taxonomic misidentification for future invasion predictions: Evidence from one of the most harmful invasive marine algae. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114970. [PMID: 37141800 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Invasive species have been a focus of concern in recent decades, becoming more problematic due to the cumulative impacts of climate change. Understanding the interactions among stress factors is essential to anticipate ecosystems' responses. Hereby, robust modeling frameworks must be able to identify the environmental drivers of invasion and forecast the current and future of their potential distribution. These studies are essential for the management of invasions and to be prepared for the future we are facing. Here we demonstrate that taxonomic misidentifications may lead to absolutely erroneous predictions, by using as an example one of the worst invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea (Lophocladia lallemandii), which has been misidentified for three decades and now is correctly identified. Consequently, and bearing in mind overall trends in species misidentification due to the loss of taxonomic expertise and the presence of cryptic species, among others, attempts to understand and predict species involved in invasion processes must always first consider taxonomic studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Golo
- Departament de Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, C/Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - A Vergés
- Departament de Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, C/Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - P Díaz-Tapia
- Coastal Biology Research Group, Faculty of Sciences and Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (CICA), University of A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain; Centro Nacional Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de A Coruña, 15001 A Coruña, Spain
| | - E Cebrian
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes, CSIC, Accés Cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300, Blanes, Girona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ponte JMS, Seca AML, Barreto MC. Asparagopsis Genus: What We Really Know About Its Biological Activities and Chemical Composition. Molecules 2022; 27:1787. [PMID: 35335151 PMCID: PMC8948725 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the genus Asparagopsis includes only two taxonomically accepted species, the published literature is unanimous about the invasive nature of this genus in different regions of the globe, and about the availability of large amounts of biomass for which it is important to find a commercial application. This review shows that extracts from Asparagospsis species have already been evaluated for antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antifouling, cytotoxic, antimethanogenic and enzyme-inhibitory activity. However, the tables presented herein show, with few exceptions, that the activity level displayed is generally low when compared with positive controls. Studies involving pure compounds being identified in Asparagopsis species are rare. The chemical compositions of most of the evaluated extracts are unknown. At best, the families of the compounds present are suggested. This review also shows that the volatile halogenated compounds, fatty acids and sterols that are biosynthesized by the Asparagopsis species are relatively well known. Many other non-volatile metabolites (halogen compounds, flavonoids, other phenolic compounds) seem to be produced by these species, but their chemical structures and properties haven'been investigated. This shows how much remains to be investigated regarding the secondary-metabolite composition of these species, suggesting further studies following more targeted methodologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José M. S. Ponte
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 9501-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal;
| | - Ana M. L. Seca
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 9501-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal;
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, Rua Mãe de Deus, 9501-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal;
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Maria Carmo Barreto
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 9501-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal;
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, Rua Mãe de Deus, 9501-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tang X, Yuan Y, Wang L, Chen S, Liu X, Zhang J. Identifying prioritized planting areas for medicinal plant Thesium chinense Turcz. under climate change in China. ECOL INFORM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2021.101459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
6
|
Microbiota-Macroalgal Relationships at a Hawaiian Intertidal Bench Are Influenced by Macroalgal Phyla and Associated Thallus Complexity. mSphere 2021; 6:e0066521. [PMID: 34550007 PMCID: PMC8550217 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00665-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ocean represents the largest biome on earth; however, we have only begun to understand the diversity and function of the marine microbial inhabitants and their interactions with macroalgal species. Macroalgae play an integral role in overall ocean biome health and serve both as major primary producers and foundation species in the ecosystem. Previous studies have been limited, focusing on the microbiome of a single algal species or its interaction with selected microbes. This project aimed to understand overall biodiversity of microbial communities associated with five common macroalgal species and to determine the drivers of these communities at 'Ewa Beach, O'ahu, HI. Representative species of Chlorophyta (green), Ochrophyta (brown), and Rhodophyta (red) algae, each species having various levels of calcification, thallus complexity, and status as native or invasive species, were collected from an intertidal bench in May 2019. A portion of the V3-V4 variable region of the small-subunit rRNA gene was amplified for high-throughput sequencing using universal bacterial primers to elucidate the core and variable algal microbiome. Significant differences in bacterial community composition were only partially explained by host species, whether the host was native or invasive, and thallus complexity. Macroalgal phylum explained the most variation in associated microbial communities at 'Ewa Beach. This study advances our understanding of microbial-macroalgal interactions and their connectivity by producing insight into factors that influence the community structure of macroalga-associated microbiota. IMPORTANCE Generally, most eukaryotic organisms form relationships with microbes that are important in mediating host organismal health. Macroalgae are a diverse group of photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms that serve as primary producers and foundational species in many ecosystems. However, little is known about their microbial counterparts across a wide range of macroalgal morphologies, phylogenies, and calcification levels. Thus, to further understand the factors involved in bacterial community composition associated with macroalgal species at one point in time, representative samples were collected across phyla. Here, we show that both host macroalga phyla and morphology influenced the associated microbial community. Additionally, we show that the invasive species Avrainvillea lacerata does not have a unique microbial community on this intertidal bench, further supporting the idea that host phylum strongly influences microbial community composition.
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang K, Zhang F, Wu YR. Emerging technologies for conversion of sustainable algal biomass into value-added products: A state-of-the-art review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 784:147024. [PMID: 33895504 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Concerns regarding high energy demand and gradual depletion of fossil fuels have attracted the desire of seeking renewable and sustainable alternatives. Similar to but better than the first- and second-generation biomass, algae derived third-generation biorefinery aims to generate value-added products by microbial cell factories and has a great potential due to its abundant, carbohydrate-rich and lignin-lacking properties. However, it is crucial to establish an efficient process with higher competitiveness over the current petroleum industry to effectively utilize algal resources. In this review, we summarize the recent technological advances in maximizing the bioavailability of different algal resources. Following an overview of approaches to enhancing the hydrolytic efficiency, we review prominent opportunities involved in microbial conversion into various value-added products including alcohols, organic acids, biogas and other potential industrial products, and also provide key challenges and trends for future insights into developing biorefineries of marine biomass.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kan Zhang
- Department of Biology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, Guangdong, China
| | - Feifei Zhang
- Department of Biology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi-Rui Wu
- Department of Biology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, Guangdong, China; Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Macroalgae niche modelling: a two-step approach using remote sensing and in situ observations of a native and an invasive Asparagopsis. Biol Invasions 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02554-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
9
|
Blanco A, Larrinaga AR, Neto JM, Troncoso J, Méndez G, Domínguez-Lapido P, Ovejero A, Pereira L, Mouga TM, Gaspar R, Martínez B, Lemos MFL, Olabarria C. Spotting intruders: Species distribution models for managing invasive intertidal macroalgae. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 281:111861. [PMID: 33422911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Invasive macroalgae represent one of the major threats to marine biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and structure, as well as being important drivers of ecosystem services depletion. Many such species have become well established along the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula. However, the lack of information about the distribution of the invaders and the factors determining their occurrence make bioinvasions a difficult issue to manage. Such information is key to enabling the design and implementation of effective management plans. The present study aimed to map the current probability of presence of six invasive macroalgae: Grateloupia turuturu, Asparagopsis armata, Colpomenia peregrina, Sargassum muticum, Undaria pinnatifida, and Codium fragile ssp. fragile. For this purpose, an extensive field survey was carried out along the coast of the north-western Iberian Peninsula. Species distribution models (SDMs) were then used to map the presence probability of these invasive species throughout the study region on the basis of environmental and anthropogenic predictor variables. The southern Galician rias were identified as the main hotspots of macroalgal invasion, with a high probability of occurrence for most of the species considered. Conversely, the probability of presence on the Portuguese coast was generally low. Physico-chemical variables were the most important factors for predicting the distribution of invasive macroalgae contributing between 57.27 and 85.24% to the ensemble models. However, anthropogenic factors (including size of vessels, number of shipping lines, distance from ports, population density, etc.) considerably improved the estimates of the probability of occurrence for most of the target species. This study is one of the few to include anthropogenic factors in SDMs for invasive macroalgae. The findings suggest that management actions aimed at controlling these species should strengthen control and surveillance at ports, particularly in southern Galician rias. Early detection should be of main concern for risk assessment plans on the Portuguese coast.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Blanco
- Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, EcoCost, Facultade de Ciencias do Mar, Edificio CC Experimentais, Campus de Vigo, As Lagoas, Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain; Departamento de Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal, Universidade de Vigo, Campus As Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain.
| | - A R Larrinaga
- eNeBaDa, Calle Ponte do Sar, 43C-1F, 15702 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain; Grupo de Estudo do Medio Mariño (GEMM), Porto deportivo s/n, Santa Uxía de Riveira, A Coruña, Spain
| | - J M Neto
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Peniche, Portugal; Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - J Troncoso
- Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, EcoCost, Facultade de Ciencias do Mar, Edificio CC Experimentais, Campus de Vigo, As Lagoas, Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain; Departamento de Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal, Universidade de Vigo, Campus As Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - G Méndez
- Departamento de Geociencias Mariñas e Ordenación do Territorio, Universidade de Vigo, Campus As Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - P Domínguez-Lapido
- eNeBaDa, Calle Ponte do Sar, 43C-1F, 15702 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain; Grupo de Estudo do Medio Mariño (GEMM), Porto deportivo s/n, Santa Uxía de Riveira, A Coruña, Spain
| | - A Ovejero
- Departamento de Geociencias Mariñas e Ordenación do Territorio, Universidade de Vigo, Campus As Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - L Pereira
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - T M Mouga
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Peniche, Portugal
| | - R Gaspar
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - B Martínez
- Biology and Geology Department, Rey Juan Carlos University, Tulipán sn, 28933 Móstoles, Spain
| | - M F L Lemos
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Peniche, Portugal
| | - C Olabarria
- Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, EcoCost, Facultade de Ciencias do Mar, Edificio CC Experimentais, Campus de Vigo, As Lagoas, Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain; Departamento de Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal, Universidade de Vigo, Campus As Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Davies SW, Moreland KN, Wham DC, Kanke MR, Matz MV. Cladocopium community divergence in two Acropora coral hosts across multiple spatial scales. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:4559-4572. [PMID: 33002237 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many broadly-dispersing corals acquire their algal symbionts (Symbiodiniaceae) "horizontally" from their environment upon recruitment. Horizontal transmission could promote coral fitness across diverse environments provided that corals can associate with divergent algae across their range and that these symbionts exhibit reduced dispersal potential. Here we quantified community divergence of Cladocopium algal symbionts in two coral host species (Acropora hyacinthus, Acropora digitifera) across two spatial scales (reefs on the same island, and between islands) across the Micronesian archipelago using microsatellites. We find that both hosts associated with a variety of multilocus genotypes (MLG) within two genetically distinct Cladocopium lineages (C40, C21), confirming that Acropora coral hosts associate with a range of Cladocopium symbionts across this region. Both C40 and C21 included multiple asexual lineages bearing identical MLGs, many of which spanned host species, reef sites within islands, and even different islands. Both C40 and C21 exhibited moderate host specialization and divergence across islands. In addition, within every island, algal symbiont communities were significantly clustered by both host species and reef site, highlighting that coral-associated Cladocopium communities are structured across small spatial scales and within hosts on the same reef. This is in stark contrast to their coral hosts, which never exhibited significant genetic divergence between reefs on the same island. These results support the view that horizontal transmission could improve local fitness for broadly dispersing Acropora coral species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah W Davies
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Kelsey N Moreland
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Drew C Wham
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Matt R Kanke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Mikhail V Matz
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|