Persistent Intra-Specific Variation in Genetic and Behavioral Traits in the Raphidophyte, Heterosigma akashiwo.

ABSTRACT: Motility is a key trait that phytoplankton utilize to navigate the heterogeneous marine environment. Quantifying both intra- and inter-specific variability in trait distributions is key to utilizing traits to distinguish groups of organisms and assess their ecological function. Because examinations of intra-specific variability are rare, here we measured three-dimensional movement behaviors and distribution patterns of seven genetically distinct strains of the ichthyotoxic raphidophyte, Heterosigma akashiwo. Strains were collected from different ocean basins but geographic distance between isolates was a poor predictor of genetic relatedness among strains. Observed behaviors were significantly different among all strains examined, with swimming speed and turning rate ranging from 33-115 μm

SUBMITTER: Harvey EL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4658419 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature