Document of bibliographic reference 405911

BibliographicReference record

Type

Bibliographic resource

Type of document

Journal article

BibLvlCode

AS

Title

Geographical patterns of intraspecific genetic diversity reflect the adaptive potential of the coral Pocillopora damicornis species complex

Abstract

Marine heatwaves are increasing in intensity and frequency however, responses and survival of reef corals vary geographically. Geographical differences in thermal tolerance may be in part a consequence of intraspecific diversity, where high-diversity localities are more likely to support heat-tolerant alleles that promote survival through thermal stress. Here, we assessed geographical patterns of intraspecific genetic diversity in the ubiquitous coral Pocillopora damicornis species complex using 428 sequences of the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) region across 44 sites in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. We focused on detecting genetic diversity hotspots, wherein some individuals are likely to possess gene variants that tolerate marine heatwaves. A deep-learning, multi-layer neural-network model showed that geographical location played a major role in intraspecific diversity, with mean sea-surface temperature and oceanic regions being the most influential predictor variables differentiating diversity. The highest estimate of intraspecific variation was recorded in French Polynesia and Southeast Asia. The corals on these reefs are more likely than corals elsewhere to harbor alleles with adaptive potential to survive climate change, so managers should prioritize high-diversity regions when forming conservation goals.

Bibliographic citation

Carr, M.; Kratochwill, C.; Daly-Engel, T.; Crombie, T.; van Woesik, R. (2025). Geographical patterns of intraspecific genetic diversity reflect the adaptive potential of the coral Pocillopora damicornis species complex. PLoS One 20(1): e0316380. https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0316380

Is peer reviewed

true

Access rights

open access

Is accessible for free

true