Genomic data reveal similar genetic differentiation in aquifer species with different dispersal capabilities and life histories

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Abstract

Little is known about the life histories, genetic structure and population connectivity of shallow groundwater organisms. We used next-generation sequencing (RAD-seq) to analyse population genomic structure in two aquifer species: Paraperla frontalis (Banks, 1902), a stonefly with groundwater larvae and aerial (winged) adults; and Stygobromus sp., a groundwater-obligate amphipod. We found similar genetic differentiation in each species between floodplains separated by ∼70 river km in the Flathead River basin of north-west Montana, USA. Given that Stygobromus lacks the above-ground life stage of P. frontalis, our findings suggest that connectivity and the magnitude of genetic structure cannot be definitively assumed from life history differences.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)315-322
Number of pages8
JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society
Volume129
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 30 2020

Funding

This work was supported by the Bucknell University Biology Abrahamson Fund, the US National Science Foundation [Award Numbers 1258203 and 1639014], the University of Montana Flathead Lake Biological Station and the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration [Grant Number NNX14AB84G].

FundersFunder number
1258203
Flathead Lake Biological Station
1639014
National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationNNX14AB84G
Bucknell University

    Keywords

    • Amphipoda
    • Plecoptera
    • RAD-seq
    • aquifer ecosystem
    • groundwater fauna

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