Population genetic patterns across the native and invasive range of a widely distributed seagrass: Phylogeographic structure, invasive history and conservation implications

Aim The seagrass Zostera japonica is a dramatically declined endemic species in the Northwestern Pacific from the (sub)tropical to temperate areas, however, it is also an introduced species along the Pacific coast of North America from British Columbia to northern California. Understanding the popul...

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Published in:Diversity & distributions 2024-03, Vol.30 (3), p.1-18
Main Authors: Zhang, Xiaomei, Li, Yu-Long, Kaldy, James E., Suonan, Zhaxi, Komatsu, Teruhisa, Xu, Shaochun, Xu, Min, Wang, Feng, Liu, Peng, Liu, Xujia, Yue, Shidong, Zhang, Yu, Lee, Kun-Seop, Liu, Jin-Xian, Zhou, Yi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
20th century
Barriers
Biogeography
Chloroplasts
Climate change
Coasts
Conservation
Divergence
Endemic species
Evolution
genetic differentiation
Genetic diversity
Genetic structure
Genetic testing
Global climate
Introduced species
invasion history
Nonnative species
Oceanic analysis
phylogeographic structure
Phylogeography
Population decline
Population genetics
Populations
RESEARCH ARTICLE
seagrass
Waterfowl
Zostera japonica
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Summary:Aim The seagrass Zostera japonica is a dramatically declined endemic species in the Northwestern Pacific from the (sub)tropical to temperate areas, however, it is also an introduced species along the Pacific coast of North America from British Columbia to northern California. Understanding the population's genetic patterns can inform the conservation and management of this species. Location North Pacific. Methods We used sequences of the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and chloroplast trnK intron maturase (matK), and 24 microsatellite loci to survey 34 native and nonnative populations (>1000 individuals) of Z. japonica throughout the entire biogeographic range. We analysed the phylogeographic relationship, population genetic structure and genetic diversity of all populations and inferred possible origins and invasion pathways of the nonnative ones. Results All markers revealed a surprising and significant deep divergence between northern and southern populations of Z. japonica in the native region separated by a well‐established biogeographical boundary. A secondary contact zone was found along the coasts of South Korea and Japan. Nonnative populations were found to originate from the central Pacific coast of Japan with multiple introductions from at least two different source populations, and secondary spread was likely aided by waterfowl. Main Conclusions The divergence of the two distinct clades was likely due to the combined effects of historical isolation, adaptation to distinct environments and a contemporary physical barrier created by the Yangtze River, and the warm northward Kuroshio Current led to secondary contact after glacial separation. Existing exchanges among the nonnative populations indicate the potential for persistence and further expansion. This study not only helps to understand the underlying evolutionary potential of a widespread seagrass species following global climate change but also provides valuable insights for conservation and restoration.
ISSN:1366-9516
1472-4642
DOI:10.1111/ddi.13803