Dataset Information

Managing cryptic biodiversity: Fine-scale intralacustrine speciation along a benthic gradient in Alpine whitefish (Coregonus spp.).

ABSTRACT: Whitefish (Coregonus spp.) are an important catch for many freshwater fisheries, particularly in Switzerland. In support of this, supplemental stocking of whitefish species is carried out, despite lacking complete knowledge of the extent, distribution and origin of whitefish diversity in these lakes, potentially threatening local endemics via artificial gene flow. Here, we investigate phenotypic and genetic differentiation among coexisting whitefish species spawning along a depth gradient in a subalpine Swiss lake to better delineate intralacustrine whitefish biodiversity. We find depth-related clines in adaptive morphology and in neutral genetic markers. This individual variation is structured in three distinct clusters with spatial overlap. Individual genetic distances correlate strongly with differences in growth rate and gill-raker number, consistent with predictions of isolation-by-adaptation and ecological speciation. Genetic differentiation between species suggests reproductive isolation, despite demographic admixture on spawning grounds. Our results are consistent with clinal speciation resulting in three species coexisting in close ecological parapatry, one (C. sp. "benthic intermediate") being previously unknown. A second unknown species spawning in close proximity was found to be of potential allochthonous origin. This study highlights the importance of taxonomically unbiased sampling strategies to both understand evolutionary mechanisms structuring biodiversity and to better inform conservation and fisheries management.

SUBMITTER: Hudson AG

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5322408 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Managing cryptic biodiversity: Fine-scale intralacustrine speciation along a benthic gradient in Alpine whitefish (<i>Coregonus</i> spp.).

Hudson Alan G AG Lundsgaard-Hansen Baenz B Lucek Kay K Vonlanthen Pascal P Seehausen Ole O

Evolutionary applications 20161220 3

Whitefish (<i>Coregonus</i> spp.) are an important catch for many freshwater fisheries, particularly in Switzerland. In support of this, supplemental stocking of whitefish species is carried out, despite lacking complete knowledge of the extent, distribution and origin of whitefish diversity in these lakes, potentially threatening local endemics via artificial gene flow. Here, we investigate phenotypic and genetic differentiation among coexisting whitefish species spawning along a depth gradient ...[more]

PMID: 28250810

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Project description:BackgroundSpecies- and genetic diversity can change in parallel, resulting in a species-genetic diversity correlation (SGDC) and raising the question if the same drivers influence both biological levels of diversity. The SGDC can be either positive or negative, depending on whether the species diversity and the genetic diversity of the measured species respond in the same or opposite way to drivers. Using a traditional species diversity approach together with ultra-conserved elements and high throughput sequencing, we evaluated the SGDCs in benthic macrofauna communities in the Baltic Sea, a geologically young brackish water sea characterised by its steep salinity gradient and low species richness. Assessing SGDCs from six focal marine invertebrate species from different taxonomic groups and with differing life histories and ecological functions on both a spatial and temporal scale gives a more comprehensive insight into the community dynamics of this young ecosystem and the extrinsic factors that might drive the SGDCs.ResultsNo significant correlations between species diversity and genetic diversity were found for any of the focal species. However, both negative and positive trends of SGDCs for the individual focal species were observed. When examining the environmental drivers, no common trends between the species were found, even when restricting the analysis to specific taxonomic classes. Additionally, there were no common environmental factors driving the diversity relationships for species sharing the same SGDC trend (positive or negative). Local population dynamics, together with the invasion history of the individual species and their unique adaptation to the distinctive environment of the Baltic Sea, are expected to be of major influence on the outcome of the SGDCs.ConclusionsThe present results highlight the importance of assessing SGDCs using multiple species, not just a single indicator species. This emphasises a need to pay attention to the ecology and life history of the focal species. This study also provides insight into the large differences in both patterns and drivers of genetic diversity, which is important when including genetic biodiversity in conservation plans. We conclude that the effects of environmental and biological factors and processes that affects diversity patterns at both the community and genetic levels are likely species dependent, even in an environment such as the Baltic Sea with strong environmental gradients.

Dataset Information

Managing cryptic biodiversity: Fine-scale intralacustrine speciation along a benthic gradient in Alpine whitefish (Coregonus spp.).

Publications

Managing cryptic biodiversity: Fine-scale intralacustrine speciation along a benthic gradient in Alpine whitefish (<i>Coregonus</i> spp.).

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