Breusing, Corinna, Biastoch, Arne , Metaxas, A., Melzner, Frank and Reusch, Thorsten B.H. (2013) Population connectivity and speciation of vent mussels from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge: An interdisciplinary approach. [Poster] In: World Congress of Malacology 2013. , 22.-26.07.2013, Ponta Delgada, Azores .

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Abstract

Knowledge about the genetic connectivity of populations and the mechanisms
underlying speciation is an important requirement for biodiversity conservation.
However, despite the fact that such information is generally sparse for deep sea biota,
the demands for mining of seafloor mineral resources are increasing. Using mussels of the genus Bathymodiolus as a model system and integrating expertise from various
research disciplines, the present study aims to elucidate patterns of geneflow between
hydrothermal vent populations of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. To characterize the level of genetic exchange on ecological time scales, we will genotype mussels with species-
diagnostic SNP markers designed from high-throughput transcriptomic data. By performing hybridization experiments, we will study patterns of reproductive isolation
between B. azoricus and B. childressi from shallower sites. Moreover, we will measure
larval survival and behaviour of B. azoricus under a variety of environmental conditions
to identify factors that influence the spreading of propagules between vents. The results from the ecophysiological experiments will be incorporated into larval dispersal studies performed with Lagrangian simulations utilizing a high-resolution model of the global
ocean under realistic forcing. By comparing the outcomes of the genetic, biophysical and
ecological approaches, we expect that this work will make fundamental contributions to a better understanding of population connectivity and diversification in the deep sea as well as help to manage anthropogenic threats to hydrothermal vent ecosystems.

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