2bRAD reveals fine-scale genetic structuring among populations within the Mediterranean zoanthid Parazoanthus axinellae (Schmidt, 1862)

• DOI: 10.1007/s00338-023-02456-7
• Publication Date: 2024-02-21T11:02:26Z
• Authors: Marko Terzin; Adriana Villamor; Lorenzo Marincich; Kenan Matterson; Maria Grazia Paletta; Valentina Bertuccio; Giorgio Bavestrello; Lisandro Benedett...; Elisa Boscari; Carlo Cerrano; Giovanni Chimienti; Leonardo Congiu; Simonetta Fraschetti; Francesco Mastrot...; Massimo Ponti; Roberto Sandulli; Eva Turicchia; Lorenzo Zane; Marco Abbiati; Federica Costantini
• Keywords: Genetic divergence

Abstract The zoanthid Parazoanthus axinellae (Schmidt, 1862) is a widespread coral species in the Mediterranean coralligenous assemblages where two morphotypes are found: Slender and Stocky, differing size, color, preferred substrate. Due to these marked differences, Stocky were hypothesized be species. Here, we used 2bRAD obtain genome‐wide genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) investigate genetic differentiation between morphs, as well their population structure. A total of 101 specimens P. sampled from eight locations along Italian coastline. In four locations, samples collected sympatry. genome-wide SNPs assess divergence (1319 SNPs), connectivity patterns within (1926 SNPs) (1871 morphotypes. Marked consistent was detected widely distributed morphotype showed higher mixing patterns, while populations exhibited stronger structure at regional scale. strong observed provides additional evidence that morphs could attributed different species, although further morphological ecological studies required validate this hypothesis. Our study highlights importance resolving phylogenetic taxonomic disparities taxonomically problematic groups, such complex, when performing for management conservation purposes. Graphical Schematic overview main structuring study. Coral polyps colored intuitively associate reader morphotypes, with orange tones being morphotype, yellow morphotype. Bidirectional arrows represent gene flow individuals, number thickness corresponding intensity rates. red dashed line represents potential reproductive isolation