Consequences of variable larval dispersal pathways and resulting phenotypic mixtures to the dynamics of marine metapopulations.

ABSTRACT: Larval dispersal can connect distant subpopulations, with important implications for marine population dynamics and persistence, biodiversity conservation and fisheries management. However, different dispersal pathways may affect the final phenotypes, and thus the performance and fitness of individuals that settle into subpopulations. Using otolith microchemical signatures that are indicative of 'dispersive' larvae (oceanic signatures) and 'non-dispersive' larvae (coastal signatures), we explore the population-level consequences of dispersal-induced variability in phenotypic mixtures for the common triplefin (a small reef fish). We evaluate lipid concentration and otolith microstructure and find that 'non-dispersive' larvae (i) have greater and less variable lipid reserves at settlement (a

SUBMITTER: Shima JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4360098 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature