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Stable coexistence of genetically divergent Atlantic cod ecotypes at multiple spatial scales
Halvor Knutsen1,2,3, Per Erik Jorde1,2, Jeffrey A Hutchings1,2,4
1Institute of Marine Research Flødevigen His Norway.
Evolutionary Applications
|October 23, 2018
Summary
Two genetically distinct Atlantic cod ecotypes stably coexist along the Norwegian coast. Differences in size-at-age may explain how these populations persist together in shared habitats.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Population Genetics
- Evolutionary Ecology
Background:
- Closely related populations in the same habitat challenge understanding of local adaptation.
- Identifying coexistence mechanisms offers insight into adaptive evolution and persistence in changing environments.
- Cryptic, sympatric populations of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) have been observed in coastal areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the genetic origin and coexistence patterns of Atlantic cod ecotypes.
- To investigate the stability and spatial distribution of divergent cod populations.
- To explore potential factors contributing to the stable coexistence of these ecotypes.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analysis of 6,483 individual cod over 14 years.
- Sampling across 125 locations along the Norwegian Skagerrak coast.
- Comparison of size-at-age between identified ecotypes.
Main Results:
- Stable coexistence of two genetically divergent Atlantic cod ecotypes documented.
- A 'fjord' ecotype dominated fjords, while a 'North Sea' ecotype was found offshore.
- Both ecotypes coexisted in coastal habitats, with the North Sea ecotype showing significantly larger size-at-age.
Conclusions:
- Ecological differences, such as size-at-age, may facilitate the stable coexistence of divergent cod ecotypes.
- Management and conservation strategies must consider the presence of mixed ecotypes for effective sustainability.
- Understanding ecotype coexistence is crucial for predicting species' adaptability to environmental change.
Keywords:
Atlantic codconnectivitydispersalecotypesnatural selectionsympatrytemporal genetic stabilityMore Related Videos
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