Comparative genetics of scyphozoan species reveals the geological history and contemporary processes of the Mediterranean Sea.

ABSTRACT: Jellyfish are useful genetic indicators for aquatic ecosystems as they have limited mobility and are highly exposed to the water column. By using comparative genomics and the molecular clock (timetree) of Rhizostoma pulmo, we revealed a divergence point between the East and West Mediterranean Sea (MS) populations that occurred 4.59 million years ago (mya). It is suggested that the two distinct ecological environments we know today were formed at this time. We propose that before this divergence, the highly mixed Atlantic and Mediterranean waters led to the wide dispersal of different species including R. pulmo. At 4.59 mya, the Western and Eastern MS were formed, indicating the possibility of a dramatic environmental event. For the first time, we find that for the jell

SUBMITTER: Mizrahi GA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8328420 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature