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Area of Science:

  • Marine Biology
  • Evolutionary Genetics
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Ecological speciation can occur without geographic isolation when traits drive both adaptation and reproductive isolation.
  • Light-dependent corals in varying light regimes offer a model for studying speciation.
  • Depth-related distributions are observed in coral sister lineages within the photic zone.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the molecular mechanisms of depth-associated adaptive divergence in corals.
  • Analyze sequence variation in environmental sensing proteins in depth-segregated coral lineages.
  • Identify the role of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in coral speciation.

Main Methods:

  • Genome-wide analyses of two genetically divergent ecotypes of Orbicella faveolata.
  • Analysis of two depth-segregated sister species (O. annularis and O. franksi) with different spawning times.
  • Sequencing and variation analysis of proteins involved in environmental sensing.

Main Results:

  • Positive selection on G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) drives divergence across depths.
  • GPCRs mediate chemo/photo/thermo-reception, facilitating physiological adaptation.
  • GPCRs contribute to reproductive isolation through differences in spawning times.

Conclusions:

  • Proposes a molecular mechanism for the origin of depth-segregated coral species.
  • Ecological divergence can occur at spatial scales smaller than larval dispersal.
  • Highlights pathways for generating marine biodiversity through adaptive radiation.