Deep connections: exploring the genetic connectivity of mesophotic and shallow-water populations of the sponge Axinella polypoides.

ABSTRACT: Mesophotic sponge grounds (MSG), which are known as local biodiversity hotspots along the Eastern Mediterranean, have been suggested to serve as refugia for threatened species from shallower habitats. However, to understand their role as a refuge, their connectivity to shallow habitats should be assessed. This study evaluates the genetic connectivity of the broadcasting sponge Axinella polypoides, which inhabits both shallow and mesophotic zones, across two scales: (1) geographically, between Eastern and Western Mediterranean populations, and (2) bathymetrically, between shallow and MSG populations along the Israeli coast. Using ddRADseq (N = 106, 2,295 SNPs), significant genetic differentiation was observed between Eastern and Western Mediterranean populations, whereas panmixia was identi

SUBMITTER: Morav T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12603246 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature