Population genetics of the collector urchin, Tripneustes gratilla, in the Indonesian archipelago

Abstract

The population genetics of the economically important collector urchin, Tripneustes gratilla, were examined in 353 individuals collected from 16 sampling sites throughout Indonesia at 12 microsatellite loci. Bayesian clustering methods over all sampling locations revealed evidence of two genetically distinct clusters, one located predominantly on the shallow Sunda Shelf and the second in the deep waters associated with the biogeographic region known as Wallacea; further analysis revealed additional genetic structure around the island of Halmahera and the Islands of Nias and Mentawai. We propose that the observed genetic differentiation is the result of habitat loss during periods of glacial maxima and differences in physical oceanographic properties throughout the Archipelago. The subsequent recolonization of this habitat as glaciers retreat and sea levels return to present‐day levels creates an unparalleled opportunity for colonists to exploit new habitat. The documentation of cryptic diversity will aid in the identification of hot spots of biodiversity and ultimately its conservation. These data indicate that genetic structure can be detected in a species that has a relatively high dispersal potential, and this differentiation is a potential source of evolutionary novelty.

Seagrass‐associated fungal communities show distance decay of similarity that has implications for seagrass management and restoration

“…The idea that habitat differences in the marine environment can drive population differentiation has been invoked to explain genetic structuring and the high diversity of coral reefs in Southeast Asia (Benzie, ; Bowen, Rocha, Toonen, Karl, & Laboratory, ; Palumbi, ; Sato et al, ; Wainwright, Arlyza, & Karl, ). Correspondingly, we suggest that differences in habitat type work in conjunction with dispersal limitations to structure fungal communities.…”

Genetic Diversity and Connectivity of Sea Urchin Tripneustes gratilla in Region Surrounding Cenderawasih Bay, Papua-Indonesia and Indo-Pacific

“…In these cases, connectivity may be restricted due to the relatively sheltered nature of the bay, limiting water and larval movement to outside populations. Wainwright et al (2019) proposed that the observed genetic differentiation of T. gratilla is the result of habitat loss during periods of glacial maxima and differences in physical oceanographic properties throughout Indonesia.…”

“…Tripneustes gratilla is one of over 1,000 described species of sea urchins (WorRMS 2020) that is widely distributed (Toha et al 2017;Mooi 2019, 2020). The habitat ranges from Pacific to African coast of the Indian Ocean, including Indonesia (Toha et al 2012;Lawrence and Agatsuma 2013;Wainwright et al 2013;Parvez et al 2018;Wainwright et al 2019). The T. gratilla has economic and ecological value (Casilagan et al 2013;Brink et al 2019, Onomu et al 2020Nane and Paramata 2020) that warrant for use of bio-indicators of marine environmental conditions.…”

“…They reported that T. gratilla were closed connected, homogeneous, and shared polymorphic profile. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the population genetic of T. gratilla were revealed as evidence of genetically distinct clusters and structure based on microsatellite loci (Wainwright et al 2019). However, T. gratilla remains genetically uncharacterised in Cenderawasih Bay.…”

Population Structure, Genetic Connectivity, and Signatures of Local Adaptation of the Giant Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) throughout the Indo-Pacific Region

“…It is possible that biogeographic barriers between the Indian and Pacific Oceans could restrict gene flow and obstruct the physical movement of many tropical marine species between these ocean basins. One such biogeographic barrier is the Indonesian Sunda Shelf, which has been considered to play a role in (if not entirely responsible for) the genetic differences observed among Indo-Pacific P. monodon ( Benzie et al 2002 ; You et al 2008 ; Waqairatu et al 2012 ), as well as other Indo-Pacific marine species ( Horne et al 2008 ; Gaither et al 2009 ; Simmonds et al 2018 ; Wainwright et al 2018 ). Of note is that the influence of this biogeographic barrier on gene flow remains during times of sea level rise following last glacial maximum ( Randall 1998 ; Rocha et al 2007 ; Crandall et al 2019 ).…”