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Cryptic species complex shows population-dependent, rather than lineage-dependent tolerance to a neonicotinoid
Jana Kabus1, Vanessa Hartmann1, Berardino Cocchiararo2
1Goethe University Frankfurt, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|September 11, 2024
Summary
Cryptic species in ecotoxicology studies can lead to inaccurate results. This study found that while the Gammarus roeselii species complex showed similar thiacloprid tolerance across lineages, individual populations exhibited significant differences in sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Ecotoxicology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Aquatic Ecology
Background:
- Cryptic species are often overlooked in ecotoxicology, leading to unreliable experimental outcomes and extrapolations.
- Understanding the ecological differentiation and sensitivity of cryptic species is crucial, especially with increasing pesticide use.
- The Gammarus roeselii species complex, comprising at least 13 genetic lineages, presents a model for studying population-level adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the thiacloprid tolerance of different populations within the cryptic species complex Gammarus roeselii.
- To determine if phylogenetic differences (lineage identity) influence sensitivity to the neonicotinoid thiacloprid.
- To assess the role of recent environmental exposure and habitat contamination in driving adaptive responses.
Main Methods:
- Acute toxicity assays were performed on eleven populations from four lineages of Gammarus roeselii, exposed to the neonicotinoid thiacloprid.
- Environmental variables for each habitat were recorded to evaluate potential pre-exposure to contaminants.
- Genetic data (mtDNA lineages) were used to differentiate populations within the species complex.
Main Results:
- Populations of Gammarus roeselii exhibited up to a 4-fold difference in tolerance to thiacloprid.
- Lineage identity had a minor influence on thiacloprid tolerance, indicating no significant difference across the cryptic species complex.
- Observed population differentiation suggests that recent exposure to thiacloprid or other contaminants has induced adaptive processes.
Conclusions:
- Phylogenetic differences within the Gammarus roeselii species complex do not significantly impact thiacloprid tolerance.
- Susceptibility to toxicants is population-dependent, highlighting the importance of considering intraspecific variability.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term evolutionary consequences of persistent environmental stress on different populations and their adaptive pathways.
