RAD sequencing resolves fine-scale population structure in a benthic invertebrate: implications for understanding...

Area of Science:

• Molecular ecology
• Population genetics
• Marine biology

Background:

• Molecular ecology increasingly uses single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) over microsatellites.
• Few studies compare SNP (e.g., RAD sequencing) and microsatellite effectiveness in resolving population structure.
• Lack of resolution may hinder understanding of phenotypic plasticity in natural populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare microsatellites and RAD sequencing for fine-scale population structure analysis.
• Investigate genetic and phenotypic variation in great scallops (Pecten maximus).
• Assess the utility of RAD sequencing for studying population structure and phenotypic plasticity.

Main Methods:

• Genotyped 10,539 SNPs via RAD sequencing and 13 microsatellites in Pecten maximus from nine populations.
• Conducted morphometric and color analyses of scallop shells.
• Applied Bayesian analysis and calculated Fst values to assess population structure.

Main Results:

• RAD sequencing revealed two distinct genetic clusters, while microsatellites detected only one.
• Higher Fst values were obtained using RAD sequencing, indicating greater population differentiation.
• Significant phenotypic variation in shell shape and color was observed, even between genetically similar populations.

Conclusions:

• RAD sequencing is superior to microsatellites for resolving fine-scale population structure.
• Phenotypic traits like shell shape and color show plasticity, independent of genetic differentiation.
• RAD sequencing is a powerful tool for ecological studies on population structure and phenotypic plasticity.