Multi-gene incongruence consistent with hybridisation in Cladocopium (Symbiodiniaceae), an ecologically important genus of coral reef symbionts.

ABSTRACT: Coral reefs rely on their intracellular dinoflagellate symbionts (family Symbiodiniaceae) for nutritional provision in nutrient-poor waters, yet this association is threatened by thermally stressful conditions. Despite this, the evolutionary potential of these symbionts remains poorly characterised. In this study, we tested the potential for divergent Symbiodiniaceae types to sexually reproduce (i.e. hybridise) within Cladocopium, the most ecologically prevalent genus in this family. With sequence data from three organelles (cob gene, mitochondrion; psbA^ncr region, chloroplast; and ITS2 region, nucleus), we utilised the Incongruence Length Difference test, Approximately Unbiased test, tree hybridisation analyses and visual inspection of raw data in stepwise fashion

SUBMITTER: Brian JI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6598746 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature