Genetic structure across the GBR: evidence from short-lived gobies

Farnsworth, Claire A, Bellwood, David, and Van Herwerden, Lynne (2010) Genetic structure across the GBR: evidence from short-lived gobies. Marine Biology, 157 (5). pp. 945-953.

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Abstract

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) exhibits distinct cross-shelf zonation. These patterns are particularly well documented in reef fishes and have been attributed to either environmental gradients (e.g. wave energy, oceanography) or barriers to gene flow. This study examined the extent to which barriers to gene flow contribute to cross-shelf patterns by examining the mitochondrial DNA of gobies (genus Eviota). The genus Eviota was selected due to its extreme life history characteristics (shortest vertebrate lifespan) and cross-shelf distribution patterns (E. queenslandica, inner- and mid-shelf, and E. albolineata mid- and outer-shelf). Although cross-shelf barriers to gene flow were predicted, this study found no population structure between shelf locations. However, a genetically distinct population of E. queenslandica (the inner-shelf species) was observed at North Direction Island (Phist = 0.088, P = 0.004). As no comparable structure was observed in E. albolineata (the outer-shelf species) it may be that habitat type (E. queenslandica = reef lagoon, E. albolineata = reef crest) is a significant factor driving the structure observed in E. queenslandica. Larval behaviour, olfactory or auditory senses and reef selection at settlement could be assisting larvae to return to reefs similar to natal reefs. We suggest that ecological gradients are more important than barriers to gene flow in structuring cross-shelf distributions within Eviota.

Item ID: 10501
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1432-1793
Keywords: marine science; Great Barrier Reef; Eviota queenslandica; Eviota albolineata; population structure; gene flow
Date Deposited: 19 Apr 2010 04:23
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060205 Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl Marine Ichthyology) @ 75%
06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0604 Genetics > 060411 Population, Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics @ 25%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9605 Ecosystem Assessment and Management > 960507 Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Marine Environments @ 100%
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