Genetic divergence across habitats in the widespread coral Seriatopora hystrix and its associated Symbiodinium.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Coral reefs are hotspots of biodiversity, yet processes of diversification in these ecosystems are poorly understood. The environmental heterogeneity of coral reef environments could be an important contributor to diversification, however, evidence supporting ecological speciation in corals is sparse. Here, we present data from a widespread coral species that reveals a strong association of host and symbiont lineages with specific habitats, consistent with distinct, sympatric gene pools that are maintained through ecologically-based selection.

Methodology/principal findings

Populations of a common brooding coral, Seriatopora hystrix, were sampled from three adjacent reef habitats (spanning a approximately 30 m depth range) at three locations on the Great Barrier R

SUBMITTER: Bongaerts P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2877717 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature