Genetic and morphological divergence betweenLittorina fabalisecotypes in Northern Europe

Abstract

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Speciation in marine environments: Diving under the surface

“…For example, mussels of the genus Mytilus form a complex system with multiple hybrid zones between various species that have been intensively studied (Bierne et al., 2003; Popovic et al., 2021; Simon et al., 2021). Another taxon that has become a model in the study of ecotype evolution and ecological speciation comprises the gastropods of the genus Littorina (Galindo et al., 2021; Johannesson, 2015; Kess et al., 2021; Stankowski et al., 2020; Westram et al., 2018). Some species of corals, seaweeds, seagrasses or sea squirts have also been important targets for studies focusing on genetic divergence and species evolution (Monteiro et al., 2016; Olsen et al., 2004; Pereyra et al., 2013; see also Hudson et al., 2021; Prada & Hellberg, 2021), as have a few species of microalgae and bacteria (Johnson et al., 2006).…”

“…Littorina (Galindo et al, 2021;Johannesson, 2015;Kess et al, 2021;Stankowski et al, 2020;Westram et al, 2018). Some species of corals, seaweeds, seagrasses or sea squirts have also been important targets for studies focusing on genetic divergence and species evolution (Monteiro et al, 2016;Olsen et al, 2004;Pereyra et al, 2013; see also Hudson et al, 2021;Prada & Hellberg, 2021), as have a few species of microalgae and bacteria (Johnson et al, 2006 (Table 1).…”

“…The genetic and phenotypic characterization of populations associated with different habitats (Costa et al., 2021) also offers insights about the role of divergent selection in speciation with gene flow. Evidence is strongest when it comes from studies of parallel divergence, where multiple populations have diverged due to similar selection pressures at several geographic locations (Galindo et al., 2021; Jones et al., 2012; Morales et al., 2019). Field transplants between different habitats and/or laboratory experiments also provide crucial information about the contribution of environmental selection relative to other barriers such as intrinsic incompatibilities (Berdan et al., 2021; Prada & Hellberg, 2013).…”

“…Notably, several large putative inversions recently detected in the marine snail Littorina saxatilis (Faria et al., 2019) are enriched for loci involved in divergence between ecotypes across the species’ distribution (Kess et al., 2021; Morales et al., 2019; Westram et al., 2018). Something similar could shape ecotype divergence in the related species L. fabalis (Galindo et al., 2021; Tatarenkov & Johannesson, 1999). The contribution of Berdan et al.…”

Diversity of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] Landraces in Mozambique: New Opportunities for Crop Improvement and Future Breeding Programs

“…Genetic divergence is not always accompanied by phenotypic (morphological, physiological, and/or behavioral) traits due to silent mutations or phenotypic convergences that drive local adaptation [33]. Functional morphological traits are usually associated with reproductive success or physiological performance being particularly important population-level mechanisms that promote divergence and adaptation, and being sometimes divergent from genetic results [34,35]. Therefore, using mixed qualitative and quantitative morphological datasets and incorporating molecular tools such as SSR markers can add value to the analysis in the context of breeding programs.…”