High genetic diversity, phenotypic plasticity, and invasive potential of a recently introduced calcareous sponge, fast spreading across the Atlanto-Mediterranean basin

Abstract

Sponges are considered poor invaders, and no genetic studies on introduced sponges have been performed up to now. Paraleucilla magna is the first calcareous sponge introduced to the Mediterranean and Northeastern Atlantic. The study aimed at investigating the genetic makeup and connectivity of the introduced populations of P. magna and at exploring signs of local phenotypic adaptation, to gain insight on the species invasive potential. Ten populations along the species introduction range (Brazil, Açores, Madeira, and continental Europe) were genetically characterized by using nine microsatellite markers. Most populations were genetically structured as suggested by significant Dst and Fst values, significant differences among populations (AMOVA) and the presence of private alleles. The analyzed populations belonged to three genetically homogeneous groups (K) according to the Bayesian algorithm (structure software) and the UPGMA dendrogram. Genetic diversity within populations was higher than expected. Recurrent introductions of non-randomly selected individuals from the native sources may have contributed to the heterozygote deficit found in all populations by forming pedigree structures with mating among relatives. Moreover, the species biological cycle was monitored in a population established on native Mediterranean assemblages (41°40′27″N, 2°47′25″E) and compared with the species cycle in other habitats. Contrasting life spans, growth habits, and reproduction cycles, depending on the habitat conditions, were recorded. To summarize, high genetic diversity, phenotypic local adaptation, and high reproduction rates altogether allow predicting the fast proliferation of P. magna in newly colonized regions and point to its strong invasive potential.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00227-016-2862-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Implications of population connectivity studies for the design of marine protected areas in the deep sea: An example of a demosponge from the Clarion‐Clipperton Zone

“…Interestingly, no IBD was detected for a hadal amphipod species of the genus Paralicella occurring in the Pacific, with geological events and topographical barriers most likely responsible for the major isolation observed among their populations (Ritchie et al., ). In contrast, IBD has also commonly been reported in shallow‐water sponges especially in studies comprising large‐scale sampling sites (Duran et al., ; Guardiola et al., ; Wörheide, Epp, & Macis, ) or even at smaller scales after removing from the analysis populations occurring in areas separated by well‐known oceanographic barriers (Riesgo et al., ), and has commonly been explained by low‐dispersal abilities of sponges. There is also a wealth of examples in other shallow‐water organisms showing IBD between their populations, even when considering species with presumably high dispersal abilities (Launey, Ledu, Boudry, Bonhomme, & Naciri‐Graven, ; Maier, Tollrian, Rinkevich, & Nürnberger, ; Zulliger, Tanner, Ruch, & Ribi, ).…”

“…Stylissa carteri (Giles et al, 2015); 7. Ircinia fasciculata sampling sites (Duran et al, 2004;Guardiola et al, 2016;Wörheide, Epp, & Macis, 2008) or even at smaller scales after removing from the analysis populations occurring in areas separated by well-known oceanographic barriers , and has commonly been explained by low-dispersal abilities of sponges. There is also a wealth of examples in other shallow-water organisms showing IBD between their populations, even when considering species with presumably high dispersal abilities (Launey, Ledu, Boudry, Bonhomme, & Naciri-Graven, 2002;Maier, Tollrian, Rinkevich, & Nürnberger, 2005;Zulliger, Tanner, Ruch, & Ribi, 2009).…”

New Mediterranean Biodiversity Records (July 2016)

“…Subsequently, it was recorded in the Tyrrhenian, Adriatic Sea and Malta (Zammit et al, 2009). In Mediterranean Spain, it was first detected at the Catalonian coast in 2008 (Frotscher & Uriz, 2008) and has recently been reported from six localities extending along the Spanish Mediterranean coastline, from La Herradura to Port Lligat (Guardiola et al, 2016).…”

Asexual reproduction and heterozygote selection in an Antarctic demosponge (Stylocordyla chupachus, Suberitida)

“…In the present study, we developed a set of microsatellite markers by sequencing from a part of the Stylocordyla chupachups genome, following the protocol in Guardiola et al (2016), analyzed their suitability for a population genetics' study, and used these markers for assessing the extent of clonal reproduction in this sponge.…”