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Published on: March 31, 2023
Genetic structure of a recent climate change-driven range extension
Sam C Banks1, Scott D Ling, Craig R Johnson
1Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109 NSW, Australia. sam.banks@anu.edu.au
Molecular Ecology
|April 22, 2010
Summary
The sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii is rapidly expanding its range poleward due to climate change and ocean currents. Genetic analysis shows this is a population extension, not new colonization, impacting reef ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Marine Ecology
- Population Genetics
- Climate Change Biology
Background:
- Climate change is facilitating the expansion of species into novel habitats.
- The barrens-forming sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii exhibits high dispersal and a temperature-limited range.
- Increasing sea temperatures in eastern Australia are enabling poleward range extension of C. rodgersii, threatening biodiversity and fisheries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of Centrostephanus rodgersii during its poleward range expansion.
- To understand the mechanisms driving the colonization of new habitats by this species under changing climate regimes.
Main Methods:
- Microsatellite diversity and population structure analyses were conducted.
- Generalized linear model analyses assessed genetic diversity in newly colonized areas.
- Seascape genetics analysis examined genetic distances and spatial genetic structure.
- Demographic and genetic simulations were used to infer population connectivity.
Main Results:
- No reduction in genetic diversity was observed in the newly colonized regions.
- Seascape genetics analysis revealed no spatial genetic structure associated with the range extension.
- Reduced population-specific F(ST) in extension zone populations indicated rapid population expansion.
- Simulations supported high connectivity between pre- and post-extension zones.
Conclusions:
- The observed range shift is a poleward extension of the existing, highly-connected C. rodgersii population.
- Intensified ocean circulation (East Australian Current) is transporting larvae and increasing habitat suitability.
- Climate change and oceanographic shifts are driving the successful colonization of new habitats by C. rodgersii.
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