Different environmental drivers influence the reproduction of a tropical sponge (Tedania ignis) along a latitudinal gradient

Abstract

The life history of marine invertebrates is intrinsically related to the environmental conditions of their habitats. However, the effect of environmental factors on life history traits, e.g. reproduction, is poorly understood due to difficulties in cultivating these animals in controlled conditions. Natural experiments, using latitudinal gradients, provide an alternative to better understand this relationship. We investigated the effect of environmental factors on some aspects of the reproduction of Tedania ignis (Porifera, Demospongiae) along a latitudinal gradient in the Western Atlantic Ocean (WAO). We assessed the predicted trade-off between size and fecundity and biogeographical patterns in some of the life history traits of this sponge species. Except for the southernmost population, all populations of T. ignis reproduced aperiodically, but their reproductive dynamics were modulated by different sets of environmental factors. Therefore, this trait seems to be a physiological adaptation to local conditions. Nonetheless, the species reproduced mainly when the temperature was above 21°C, which could be a factor limiting its distribution along the tropical WAO. We did not detect any trade-off between size and quantity of oocytes and larvae in this species. A possible explanation is that the species invests low energy in offspring in a given period, resulting in a low but continuous reproductive effort, independently of the environmental conditions. These findings will be important to support management plans, as this species is a potential target for obtaining biotechnological natural products.

Reproductive cycles of the oviparous sponges Cinachyrella apion (Spirophorida) and Tethya maza (Tethyida) in a tropical intertidal environment

“…Experiments controlling environmental factors are difficult to conduct on marine sponges, hindering understanding of the effects of environmental variables on their reproductive cycles (see Lanna et al, 2021, and references therein). Thus, the statistical models found in this study are a first step toward understanding how environmental factors influence reproduction in C. apion and T. maza .…”

“…Seawater temperature is broadly accepted as a primary environmental factor triggering the reproductive activity of many sponges, both in temperate and tropical regions (Fromont, 1994; Lanna et al, 2018, 2021; Maldonado & Riesgo, 2008; Riesgo & Maldonado, 2008). Temperature seems to regulate the periodicity of sexual reproduction in species congeneric to C. apion and T. maza , such as C. tarentina (Lepore et al, 2000), T. citrina and T. aurantium (Corriero et al, 1996), and T. bergquistae and T. burtoni (Shaffer et al, 2020).…”

“…The environmental factors dataset comprised values for the current month (a delay of 0), values from the previous month (a delay of −1), or values from 2 months prior (a delay of −2). We included these delays in our models because it has been shown that physiological response of the sponge to environmental factors is not necessarily instantaneous (e.g., Ettinger‐Epstein et al, 2007; Lanna et al, 2018, 2021; Mariani, 2005). For instance, changes in the environmental factor in a particular month might trigger production of oocytes that will only be detected after 2 months.…”

“…However, how sponges control their reproduction in the intertidal zone is still barely understood (Abdul Wahab et al, 2014; Bergquist & Sinclair, 1968; Elvin, 1976; Gaino et al, 2010; Simpson, 1968). It is known that temperature, rainfall, and the concentration of chlorophyll ‐a in surrounding seawater are among the environmental factors influencing reproduction investment, reproductive periodicity, and offspring survival of subtidal sponge populations (e.g., Lanna et al, 2015, 2018, 2021; Riesgo & Maldonado, 2008). Although easily accessible, the number of studies on the reproductive phenology of sponges inhabiting the intertidal zone is still low and concentrated in species from temperate regions.…”

“…Usually, the environment's influence on the reproductive cycle of sponges is investigated with a focus on temperature (see Lanna et al, 2018). Currently, few studies have studied how multiple environmental factors (e.g., photoperiod, rainfall, height of low tides, salinity, and chlorophyll ‐a concentration) act in synergy on the sexual and asexual reproductive timing of sponges (Ayling, 1980; Chen et al, 1997; Hammel et al, 2009; Lanna et al, 2015, 2018, 2021). We chose representatives of the genera Cinachyrella ( Cinachyrella apion ) and Tethya ( Tethya maza ) as models to study reproductive patterns in the tropical intertidal zone because these sponges are easy to access and reproduce both sexually and asexually.…”