Species separation within the Lessonia nigrescens complex (Phaeophyceae, Laminariales) is mirrored by ecophysiological traits
Lessonia nigrescens used to be an abundant kelp species along the Chilean coast, but recent molecular studies revealed the existence of a L. nigrescens species complex, which includes the two cryptic species Lessonia berteroana and Lessonia spicata. Since these species have different distributi...
| Autor Principal: | Koch, Kristina |
|---|---|
| Otros Autores: | Thiel, Martin, Tellier, Florence, Hagen, Wilhelm, Graeve, Martin, Tala, Fadia, Laeseke, Philipp, Bischof, Kai |
| Formato: | Artículo |
| Idioma: | English |
| Publicado: |
BEDIM- Biology, Ecology & Diversity of Invertebrates from Marine Environment
2015
|
| Materias: | |
| Acceso en línea: |
Botanica Marina 58 |
| Etiquetas: |
Agregar Etiqueta
Sin Etiquetas, Sea el primero en etiquetar este registro!
|
| Sumario: |
Lessonia nigrescens used to be an abundant
kelp species along the Chilean coast, but recent molecular
studies revealed the existence of a L. nigrescens species
complex, which includes the two cryptic species Lessonia
berteroana and Lessonia spicata. Since these species have
different distributions (16°S–30°S for L. berteroana and
29°S–42°S for L. spicata), they experience differences
in environmental conditions, such as solar irradiance,
seawater temperature and air exposure during low tide.
This study tested to what extent the genetic distinctness
of each of the two species [identified by a mitochondrial
marker (atp8/trnS)] is reflected by ecophysiological traits
(total lipids, fatty acid composition, phlorotannins, pigments
and variable chlorophyll a fluorescence of PSII)
in response to the respective environmental conditions,
prevailing along the latitudinal gradient. We studied
algal individuals from eight populations (27°S–32°S,
including the species overlapping zone). Phlorotannins,
pigments and Chl a fluorescence of PSII were most crucial
for species-specific adaptations at the respective growth
sites, whereas changes in total lipids and fatty acid compositions
were negligible. Hence, species differentiation
within the L. nigrescens complex is also manifested at the
ecophysiological level. These findings may help to predict
kelp responses towards future environmental changes. |
|---|