Isolation mediates persistent founder effects on zooplankton colonisation in new temporary ponds
Anna Badosa1,2,3, Dagmar Frisch4, Andy J Green1
1Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), c/Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
Scientific Reports
|March 10, 2017
Summary
Zooplankton colonization dynamics in temporary ponds reveal rapid population establishment, often by few clones. Some populations show persistent founder effects, while others exhibit increased genetic diversity through gene flow and historical egg banks.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Aquatic Ecosystems
Background:
- Understanding zooplankton colonization is vital for aquatic ecosystem restoration.
- The rotifer Brachionus plicatilis is a key zooplankton species with cyclical parthenogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clonal and genetic structure of Brachionus plicatilis during colonization of new temporary ponds.
- To investigate the influence of founder effects, gene flow, and egg banks on population establishment.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring rotifer populations over three hydroperiods in newly established temporary ponds.
- Utilizing multilocus genotyping at 7 microsatellite loci to assess clonal and genetic structure.
- Analyzing genetic diversity, allelic richness, and population differentiation.
Main Results:
- Rapid rotifer population establishment occurred, with ongoing colonization throughout the study.
- Most populations (10/14) were founded by a small number of clones, indicating strong founder effects.
- One persistent population showed high initial genetic diversity, suggesting colonization from an egg bank, while another exhibited increasing diversity due to gene flow.
Conclusions:
- Colonization dynamics are complex, influenced by founder effects, external immigration, and historical diapausing egg banks.
- The role of egg banks and gene flow varies significantly between populations.
- These findings provide insights into the ecological and evolutionary processes governing zooplankton establishment in variable environments.
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