Whole-genome sequencing distinguishes the two most common giant kelp ecomorphs

• DOI: 10.1093/evolut/qpad045
• Publication Date: 2023-03-17T12:09:32Z
• Authors: Sara T Gonzalez; Filipe Alberto; Gary Molano
• Keywords: Macrocystis pyrifera

Abstract Giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, exists as distinct morphological variants—or “ecomorphs”—in different populations, yet the mechanism for this variation is uncertain, and environmental drivers either adaptive or plastic phenotypes have not been identified. The ecomorphs “pyrifera” M. “integrifolia” are distributed throughout temperate waters of North South America with almost no geographic overlap exhibit an incongruous, non-mirrored, distribution across equator. This study evaluates degree genetic divergence between 18 populations in Chile California using whole-genome sequencing single-nucleotide polymorphism markers. Our results based on a principal component analysis, admixture clustering by similarity, phylogenetic inference demonstrate that genetically distinguishable. Analyses reveal separation Northern Southern Hemispheres morphs within hemispheres, suggesting convergent morphology arose separately each hemisphere. first to use understand giant kelp ecomorphs, identifying 83 potential genes under selection providing novel insights about evolution were evident previous techniques. Future studies needed uncover forces driving local adaptation presumed these morphs.