Long distance dispersal and vertical gene flow in the Caribbean brooding coral Porites astreoides

• DOI: 10.1038/srep21619
• Publication Date: 2016-02-22T10:34:59Z
• Authors: Xaymara M. Serrano; Iliana B. Baums; Tyler B. Smith; Ross J. Jones; Tonya L. Shearer; Andrew C. Baker
• Keywords: Propagule; Symbiodinium

Abstract To date, most assessments of coral connectivity have emphasized long-distance horizontal dispersal propagules from one shallow reef to another. The extent vertical connectivity, however, remains largely understudied. Here, we used newly-developed and existing DNA microsatellite loci for the brooding Porites astreoides assess patterns in 590 colonies collected three depth zones (≤10 m, 15–20 m ≥25 m) at sites Florida, Bermuda U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). We also tested whether maternal transmission algal symbionts ( Symbiodinium spp.) might limit effective connectivity. Overall, P. exhibited high gene flow between Florida USVI, but limited these locations Bermuda. In contrast, there was significant genetic differentiation by (Upper Keys, Lower Keys Dry Tortugas), not or despite strong zonation two locations. Together, findings suggest that is dispersing both horizontally vertically its reproductive mode symbionts. addition, help explain ecological success reported Caribbean recent decades.