Parallel shape divergence between ecotypes of the limpet Nacella concinna along the Antarctic Peninsula: a new model species for parallel evolution?


Contact
Christoph.Held [ at ] awi.de

Abstract

Parallel phenotypic divergence is the independent differentiation between phenotypes of the same lineage or species occupying ecologically similar environments in different populations. We tested in the Antarctic limpet Nacella concinna the extent of parallel morphological divergence in littoral and sublittoral ecotypes throughout its distribution range. These ecotypes differ in morphological, behavioural and physiological characteristics. We studied the lateral and dorsal outlines of shells and the genetic variation of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I from both ecotypes in 17 sample sites along more than 2,000 km. The genetic data indicate that both ecotypes belong to a single evolutionary lineage. The magnitude and direction of phenotypic variation differ between ecotypes across sample sites; completely parallel ecotype-pairs (i.e., they diverge in the same magnitude and in the same direction) were detected in 84.85% of lateral and 65.15% in dorsal view comparisons. Besides, specific traits (relative shell height, position of shell apex, and elliptical/pear-shape outline variation) showed high parallelism. We observed weak morphological covariation between the two shape shell views, indicating that distinct evolutionary forces and environmental pressures could be acting on this limpet shell shape. Our results demonstrate there is a strong parallel morphological divergence pattern in N. concinna along its distribution, making this Antarctic species a suitable model for the study of different evolutionary forces shaping the shell evolution of this limpet.



Item Type
Article
Authors
Divisions
Primary Division
Programs
Primary Topic
Helmholtz Cross Cutting Activity (2021-2027)
N/A
Publication Status
Published
Eprint ID
55264
DOI 10.1016/j.zool.2021.125983

Cite as
de Aranzamendi, M. C. , Martínez, J. J. , Held, C. and Sahade, R. (2022): Parallel shape divergence between ecotypes of the limpet Nacella concinna along the Antarctic Peninsula: a new model species for parallel evolution? , Zoology, 150 , p. 125983 . doi: 10.1016/j.zool.2021.125983


Download
[thumbnail of Nacella.pdf]
Preview
PDF
Nacella.pdf

Download (3MB) | Preview

Share
Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email


Citation

Geographical region

Research Platforms

Campaigns
N/A


Actions
Edit Item Edit Item