A5034944482- Marine Biology and Ecology Research
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Evolution and Genetic Dynamics
- Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
- Genetic Syndromes and Imprinting
- Marine and coastal plant biology
- Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperation
- Plant and animal studies
- Mollusks and Parasites Studies
- Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Prenatal Screening and Diagnostics
- Marine Bivalve and Aquaculture Studies
- Evolution and Paleontology Studies
- Parasite Biology and Host Interactions
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- Avian ecology and behavior
- Birth, Development, and Health
- Identification and Quantification in Food
- Polar Research and Ecology
- Paleontology and Evolutionary Biology
- Bat Biology and Ecology Studies
- Genetic Mapping and Diversity in Plants and Animals
- Medical History and Research
University of Otago
2016-2025
The University of Adelaide
2022
Allan Wilson Centre
2008-2018
Dunedin Public Hospital
2018
Lincoln University
2013
University of Tasmania
2013
Massey University
2013
Google (United States)
2012
Spencer Foundation
2012
University of Massachusetts Boston
2008
We describe a model for the evolutionary consequences of plasticity in an environmentally heterogeneous metapopulation which specialists each two alternative environments and one plastic type are initially present. The is similar to that proposed by Moran (1992) but extends her work sites. show with migration between sites favored over local across broad range parameter space. may dominate or be fixed even uniform site, if has imperfect accuracy bears some cost such specialist higher fitness...
The end of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) dramatically reshaped temperate ecosystems, with many species moving poleward as temperatures rose and ice receded. Whereas reinvading terrestrial taxa tracked melting glaciers, marine biota recolonized ocean habitats freed by retreating sea ice. extent in Southern Hemisphere during LGM has, however, yet to be fully resolved, most palaeogeographic studies suggesting only minimal or patchy cover subantarctic waters. Here, through population genetic...
While in recent years environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding surveys have shown great promise as an alternative monitoring method, the integration into existing marine programs may be confounded by dispersal of eDNA signal. Currents and tidal influences could transport over distances, inducing false-positive species detection, leading to inaccurate biodiversity assessments and, ultimately, mismanagement environments. In this study, we determined ability distinguish localized signals obtained...
MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout JournalEditorsTheme Sections 405:221-230 (2010) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps08523 Circumpolar dispersal by rafting in two subantarctic kelp-dwelling crustaceans R. Nikula*, C. I. Fraser, H. G. Spencer, J. M. Waters Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular and Evolution, Department of Zoology, University Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054,...
South America's western coastline, extending in a near-straight line across some 35 latitudinal degrees, presents an elegant setting for assessing both contemporary and historic influences on cladogenesis the marine environment. Southern bull-kelp (Durvillaea antarctica) has broad distribution along much of Chilean coast. This species represents ideal model taxon studies coastal connectivity palaeoclimatic effects, as it grows only exposed rocky coasts is absent from beaches ice-affected...
Abstract Background The utility of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding surveys to accurately detect species depends on the degree dispersal. Multiple marine studies have observed only minimal eDNA transport by horizontal water movement across small spatial scales, leading conclusion that spatially specific signals resemble in‐field assemblages along a axis. Marine communities, however, are also structured vertically according depth. In environments displaying permanent stratification,...
DNA extraction from environmental samples (environmental DNA; eDNA) for metabarcoding-based biodiversity studies is gaining popularity as a noninvasive, time-efficient, and cost-effective monitoring tool. The potential benefits are promising marine conservation, the biome frequently under-surveyed due to its inaccessibility consequent high costs involved. With increasing numbers of eDNA-related publications have come wide array capture methods. Without visual species confirmation,...
The reinforcement model of speciation holds an important place in modern evolutionary thought. A closer examination the using a computer simulation reveals that there are number implicit assumptions necessary for to work. 1. It requires reproductive characters form part open genetic system with high heritability and is considerable variability within this system. 2. two strains must coexist throughout period which selection acting. This intense frequency-dependent counteract inherently...
Abstract Phylogeographical disjunctions in high‐dispersal marine taxa are variously ascribed to palaeogeographical conditions or contemporary ecological factors. Associated biogeographical studies, however, seldom incorporate the sampling design required confidently discriminate among such competing hypotheses. In current study, over 7800 gastropod specimens were examined for operculum colour, and 129 genetically, test historical hypotheses relating disjunction Southern Hemisphere, southern...
Abstract Aim Our aim was to test for transoceanic dispersal in direct‐developing species of Onchidella (Mollusca: Gastropoda). As these slugs are ecologically associated with buoyant bull‐kelp ( Durvillaea ), and known raft, we predicted that they would show evidence recent genetic connectivity among isolated landmasses. Location Cool‐temperate subantarctic coasts the Southern Hemisphere (New Zealand its islands, southern Chile, Falkland Islands). Methods We employed two commonly used marker...
We used DNA sequences of lecithotrophic monodontine topshells, belonging to the genera Diloma, Melagraphia, and Austrocochlea, ascertain how this group became established over a large area South Pacific Ocean. The phylogeny topshells was estimated using portions two mitochondrial genes (16S cytochrome oxidase 1) one nuclear gene (actin). A range divergence rates estimate approximate timing cladogenetic events within their phylogenetic tree. These estimates allow us unambiguously reject...
A phylogenetic tree comprising clades with high bootstrap values or other strong measures of statistical support is usually interpreted as providing a good estimate the true phylogeny. Convergent evolution acting on groups characters in concert, however, can lead to highly supported but erroneous phylogenies. Identifying such phylogenetically misleading obviously desirable. Here we present procedure that uses an independent data source identify sets have undergone concerted convergent...
Many macroalgae exhibit considerable intraspecific morphological variation, but whether such variation reflects phenotypic plasticity or underlying genetic differences is often poorly understood. We quantified both and of 96 plants from seven field sites across eastern South Island, New Zealand, to assess between morphotypes the southern bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica (Cham.) Har. Consistent DNA sequence differentiation mitochondrial, plastid, nuclear loci was correlated with two broadly...