Alteration of sexual reproduction and genetic diversity in the kelp species Laminaria digitata at the southern limit of its range.

ABSTRACT: Adaptation to marginal habitats at species range-limits has often been associated with parthenogenetic reproduction in terrestrial animals and plants. Laboratory observations have shown that brown algae exhibit a high propensity for parthenogenesis by various mechanisms. The kelp Laminaria digitata is an important component of the ecosystem in Northern European rocky intertidal habitats. We studied four L. digitata populations for the effects of marginality on genetic diversity and sexual reproduction. Two populations were marginal: One (Locquirec, in Northern Brittany) was well within the geographic range, but was genetically isolated from other populations by large stretches of sandy beaches. Another population was at the range limits of the species (Quiberon, in Southern Brittany) and w

SUBMITTER: Oppliger LV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4096927 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature