Genetically distinct populations of northern shrimp, Pandalus borealis, in the North Atlantic: adaptation to different temperatures as an isolation factor

Abstract

The large-scale population genetic structure of northern shrimp, Pandalus borealis, was investigated over the species' range in the North Atlantic, identifying multiple genetically distinct groups. Genetic divergence among sample localities varied among 10 microsatellite loci (range: FST = -0.0002 to 0.0475) with a highly significant average (FST = 0.0149; P < 0.0001). In contrast, little or no genetic differences were observed among temporal replicates from the same localities (FST = 0.0004; P = 0.33). Spatial genetic patterns were compared to geographic distances, patterns of larval drift obtained through oceanographic modelling, and temperature differences, within a multiple linear regression framework. The best-fit model included all three factors and explained approximately 29% of all spatial genetic divergence. However, geographic distance and larval drift alone had only minor effects (2.5-4.7%) on large-scale genetic differentiation patterns, whereas bottom temperature differences explained most (26%). Larval drift was found to promote genetic homogeneity in parts of the study area with strong currents, but appeared ineffective across large temperature gradients. These findings highlight the breakdown of gene flow in a species with a long pelagic larval phase (up to 3 months) and indicate a role for local adaptation to temperature conditions in promoting evolutionary diversification and speciation in the marine environment.

Assessing connectivity patterns among management units of the Newfoundland and Labrador shrimp population

“…We clearly identified a “source” role for northern populations (SFA 4–6) in our study area and a primarily “sink” role for southern populations (SFA 6 and 7) within a stream‐like connectivity system driven by the Labrador Current, confirming that northern shrimp stocks behave as a metapopulation (e.g., Jorde et al., ; Kritzer & Sale, ). Moreover, we found poor connectivity between eastern SFAs (SFA 4–7) and the Gulf of St. Lawrence (SFA 8) and southwest of Newfoundland (SFA 9).…”

Concordant patterns of mtDNA and nuclear phylogeographic structure reveal Pleistocene vicariant event in the green crab Carcinus aestuarii across the Siculo-Tunisian Strait

“…The impact of abiotic features in promoting genetic differentiation has been investigated recently by Jorde et al (2015) who correlated the spatial genetic patterns in the northern shrimp Pandalus borealis throughout its North Atlantic distribution zone with geographic distances, patterns of larval drift obtained through oceanographic modelling, and temperature differences, within a multiple linear regression framework. The authors found that bottom temperature differences explained the most multiple genetically distinct groups of the investigated species, indicating a major role played by local adaptation to temperature conditions in promoting evolutionary diversification and speciation in the marine environment.…”

Marine stepping‐stones: Connectivity of Mytilus edulis populations between offshore energy installations

“…While some studies found a congruence between the biophysical and genetic approaches (Buonomo et al, ; Hernawan et al, ; Schiavina, Marino, Zane, & Melià, ; Schunter et al, ; Sjöqvist, Godhe, Jonsson, Sundqvist, & Kremp, ), other investigations demonstrated discrepancies (Galindo et al, ). Furthermore, a congruence may be detected only at larger spatial scales but not at smaller scales (Foster et al, ; Johansson et al, ) or vice versa (Jorde et al, ).…”