Phenotypic plasticity or speciation? A case from a clonal marine organism.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Clonal marine organisms exhibit high levels of morphological variation. Morphological differences may be a response to environmental factors but also they can be attributed to accumulated genetic differences due to disruption of gene flow among populations. In this study, we examined the extensive morphological variation (of 14 characters) in natural populations observed in the gorgonian Eunicea flexuosa, a widely distributed Caribbean octocoral. Eco-phenotypic and genetic effects were evaluated by reciprocal transplants of colonies inhabiting opposite ends of the depth gradient and analysis of population genetics of mitochondrial and nuclear genes, respectively.

Results

Significant differences (P < 0.001) in 14 morphological traits were found among colonies inhab

SUBMITTER: Prada C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2275222 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature