Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Ocean Protection Council Consortium for Ocean Leadership Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Graduate Students: Christopher Griesemer (UC Davis); Brendan Cornwell (UC Davis); Serena Caplins (UC Davis); Lauren Schiebelhaut (UC Merced). Postdoctoral Fellows: Christine Ewers (UC Davis). Collaborators: Brian Gaylord (UC Davis); John Largier (UC Davis); Peter Raimondi (UCSC); Mike Dawson (UC Merced) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Through publications, research seminars, interviews with the local and regional media, hosting of research symposia. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We showed that the estimated larval duration of the initial 14 species of our project was a very reliable predictor of genetic structure and recolonization rates (species with short larval periods exhibited high levels of local structure and slow recolonization of regions affected by the 2012 mortality event (Jurgens et al. 2014); species with longer larval durations exhibited less local and regional structure, but recolonized much more quickly). By expanding the geographic and taxonomic scope of sampling, it has become clear that establishment and management of MPAs must embrace ecosystem-based approaches that consider in future configurations the great heterogeneity of realized dispersal among the species that compose the core biodiversity of the California coastal system, and the economies the system supports (Gaines et al. 2010). In addition, the analyses of community structure and dynamics suggest that although dispersal fundamentally determines the membership of a community and rate of recovery of species and communities from major disturbances, local ecological interactions are far more important.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Reynolds, L. K., J. J. Stachowicz, A. R. Hughes, S. J. Kamel, B. Ort, and R. K. Grosberg. 2017. Temporal stability in patterns of genetic diversity and structure of a marine foundation species (Zostera marina). Heredity 118: 404-412.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Puritz, J. B., C. C. Keever, J. A. Addison, S. S. Barbosa, M. Byrne, M. W. Hart, R. K. Grosberg, and R. J. Toonen. 2017. Life-history predicts past and present population connectivity in two sympatric seastars. Ecology and Evolution 2017: 1-15.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Vermeij, G.J. and R. K. Grosberg. 2017. Rarity and persistence. Ecology Letters 21:3-8
|
Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:
Nothing Reported
Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Graduate Students: Christopher Griesemer (UC Davis); Brendan Cornwell (UC Davis); Serena Caplins (UC Davis); Lauren Schiebelhaut (UC Merced). Postdoctoral Fellows: Christine Ewers (UC Davis). Collaborators: Brian Gaylord (UC Davis); John Largier (UC Davis); Peter Raimondi (UCSC); Mike Dawson (UC Merced) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results of this project were reported in two talks presented at the 2016 meeting of the Western Society of Naturalists in Monterey, CA. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue documenting the ecological recovery from the major intertidal mortality event, continue genetic analyses of source populations and new colonists to mortality zone, and continue to publish research from surveys and genetic analyses.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The primary accomplishment during this reporting period was the completion of the genetic ecological analyses of the major species impacted by the 2012 massive die-off along the central and northern California coast. These analyses show that species with long-lived larvae recover much faster than those with short-lived larvae, and that newly established populations of species with long-lived larvae contain much of the genetic variation in the population as a whole.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Wares JP, Schiebelhut LM. (2016) What doesnt kill them makes them stronger: an association between elongation factor 1-? overdominance in the sea star Pisaster ochraceus and sea star wasting disease . PeerJ 4:e1876 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1876
|
Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:
Nothing Reported
Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Graduate Students: Christopher Griesemer (UC Davis); Brendan Cornwell (UC Davis); Serena Caplins (UC Davis); Lauren Schiebelhaut (UC Merced). Postdoctoral Fellows: Christine Ewers (UC Davis). Collaborators: Brian Gaylord (UC Davis); John Largier (UC Davis); Peter Raimondi (UCSC); Mike Dawson (UC Merced) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue documenting the ecological recovery from the major intertidal mortality event, continue genetic analyses of source populations and new colonists to mortality zone, and continue to publish research from surveys and genetic analyses.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The primary accomplishment during this reporting period was the development of high-resolution genetic markers for the major species of intertidal invertebrates decimated during the 2012 massive die-off along the central and northern California coast. These markers are allowing us to determine the sources of new colonists during the recovery phase.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Burgess, S., M. Baskett, R. K. Grosberg, S. Morgan, and R. R. Strathmann. 2015. When is dispersal for dispersal? Unifying marine and terrestrial perspectives. Biological Reviews. DOI: 10.1111/brv.12198
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Jurgens, L., L. Rogers-Bennett, L. Schiebelhaut, P. Raimondi, M. Dawson, B. Gaylord, and R. K. Grosberg. 2015. Patterns of mass mortality among rocky shore invertebrates across 100 km of northeastern Pacific coastline. PLoS One, 10(6): e0131969. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131969
|
Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences include multiple stakeholders (e.g., recreational and commercial fishers) and organizations involved in the development and implementation of the California Marine Life Protection Act, and state resource managers and policymakers responsible for developing sustainable nearshore marine fisheries in California. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Graduate Students: Christopher Griesemer (UC Davis); Brendan Cornwell (UC Davis); Frances Armstrong (UC Davis), Serena Caplins (UC Davis); Lauren Schiebelhaut (UC Merced). Postdoctoral Fellows: Stehpanie Kamel (UC Davis). Collaborators: Brian Gaylord (UC Davis); John Largier (UC Davis); Peter Raimondi (UCSC); Mike Dawson (UC Merced) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The project integrates information about patterns of genetic diversity, species diversity, and population connectivity to guide the development and implementation of a system of marine reserves along the California coastline. The project consists of three components: population genetics (Objective 1); community ecology (Objective 2); and physical oceanography (partially supported by a CEQI (Coastal Environmental Quality Initiative) grant from the University of California Office of the President). Synthesis of the three objectives remains the primary emphasis of this project, and is being achieved by completing analysis of mtDNA sequences from multiple individuals of each target species, sampled from 31 sites spanning the entire California coastline. So far we have completed data collection for the seastar PISASTER OCHRACEOUS, the pink volcano barnacle TETRACLITA RUBESCENS (which is expanding its range northward), a common upper intertidal limpet, LOTTIA (aka COLLISELLA) SCABRA, the batstar PATIRIA MINIATA, and two species of intertidal algae in the genus SILVETIA. Several major papers documenting these results have recently been published or submitted. We have submitted two major manuscripts. In the upcoming year, we are continuing to focus our efforts on a major intertidal mortality event in central California that killed nearly every sea urchin and most seastars along a 200 km stretch of coastline. The information is being disseminated to the California Marine Life Protection Act Science Advisory Teams in northern and southern California to provide comprehensive ecological and genetic information concerning patterns of connectivity and sustainability of nearshore marine communities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue monitoring, continue genetic analyses, and continue publishing data from surveys and genetic analyses.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Information on patterns and levels of genetic variation in coastal marine species provides the foundation for (1) developing sustainable management and conservation policies for most commercially important, coastal species and (2) understanding how global climate change and other human impacts (including harvesting) will influence genetic variation, population dynamics, and community structure. Our multispecies approach to characterizing genetic structure, using a consistent, intensive sampling design is the first comprehensive analysis of the relationship between population dynamics, dispersal, genetic diversity, and species diversity in an ecologically and economically critical assemblage of marine species. To date, our genetic data show that species with high dispersal potential exhibit exceptionally high genetic diversity, with little evidence of geographic structure across the entire range of these species. These patterns suggest that there is substantial gene flow connecting populations, and that effective populations sizes are large. Species with more limited dispersal potential, such as LOTTIA SCABRA and NUCELLA OSTRINA exhibit far more complex patterns of genetic variation and structure. A notable exception is the bat star PATIRIA MINIATA. This species has high dispersal potential, but exhibits a strong genetic break along the Pacific Coast in the Queen Charlotte Islands of British Columbia. This exception suggests that other factors, beyond dispersal potential, can strongly affect genetic patterns and the distribution of species. During the previous reporting year, we devoted most of our effort to completing genetic analyses of several additional species of intertidal algae and invertebrates. Our initial prediction, that dispersal ability is a strong predictor of genetic structure, has so far been strongly corroborated. In addition, locations connected by low levels of gene flow have low levels of community similarity, This suggests that similar process regulate both genetic and community structure, and that ecological and evolutionary processes may be strongly linked. Finally, our recently published study documenting the recovery from a massive die-off of intertidal invertebrates along the central California coast shows that the species-specific mode of dispersal predicts the rate of recovery. Specifically, with extensive dispersal potential have re-colonized the "kill" zone at a much higher rate than species with low population sizes and limited dispersal potential.
Publications
|
Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences include multiple stakeholders (e.g., recreational and commercial fishers) and organizations involved in the development and implementation of the California Marine Life Protection Act, and state resource managers and policymakers responsible for developing sustainable nearshore marine fisheries in California. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Graduate Students: Christopher Griesemer (UC Davis); Brendan Cornwell (UC Davis); Frances Armstrong (UC Davis) Postdoctoral Fellows: Cynthia Hays (UC Merced); Will White (UC Davis/Bodega Marine Lab) Collaborators: Brian Gaylord (UC Davis); John Largier (UC Davis); Peter Raimondi (UCSC); Mike Dawson (UC Merced) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The project integrates information about patterns of genetic diversity, species diversity, and population connectivity to guide the development and implementation of a system of marine reserves along the California coastline. The project consists of three components: population genetics (Objective 1); community ecology (Objective 2), and physical oceanography (partially supported by a CEQI (Coastal Environmental Quality Initiative) grant from the University of California Office of the President). Synthesis of the three objectives remains the primary emphasis of this project, and is being achieved by completing analysis of mtDNA sequences from multiple individuals of each target species, sampled from 31 sites spanning the entire California coastline. So far we have completed data collection for the seastar PISASTER OCHRACEOUS, the pink volcano barnacle TETRACLITA RUBESCENS (which is expanding its range northward), a common upper intertidal limpet, LOTTIA (aka COLLISELLA) SCABRA, the batstar PATIRIA MINIATA, and two species of intertidal algae in the genus SILVETIA. We have submitted two major manuscripts. In the upcoming year, we are focusing are efforts on a major intertidal mortality event in central California that killed nearly every sea urchin and most seatars along a 200 km stretch of coastline. The information is being disseminated to the California Marine Life Protection Act Science Advisory Teams in northern and southern California to provide comprehensive ecological and genetic information concerning patterns of connectivity and sustainability of nearshore marine communities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue monitoring.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Information on patterns and levels of genetic variation in coastal marine species provides the foundation for (1) developing sustainable management and conservation policies for most commercially important, coastal species and (2) understanding how global climate change and other human impacts (including harvesting) will influence genetic variation, population dynamics, and community structure. Our multispecies approach to characterizing genetic structure, using a consistent, intensive sampling design is the first comprehensive analysis of the relationship between population dynamics, dispersal, genetic diversity, and species diversity in an ecologically and economically critical assemblage of marine species. To date, our genetic data show that species with high dispersal potential exhibit exceptionally high genetic diversity, with little evidence of geographic structure across the entire range of these species. These patterns suggest that there is substantial gene flow connecting populations, and that effective populations sizes are large. Species with more limited dispersal potential, such as LOTTIA SCABRA and NUCELLA OSTRINA exhibit far more complex patterns of genetic variation and structure. A notable exception is the bat star PATIRIA MINIATA. This species has high dispersal potential, but exhibits a strong genetic break along the Pacific Coast in the Queen Charlotte Islands of British Columbia. This exception suggests that other factors, beyond dispersal potential, can strongly affect genetic patterns and the distribution of species. During the previous reporting year, we devoted most of our effort to completing genetic analyses of several additional species of intertidal algae and invertebrates. Our initial prediction, that dispersal ability is a strong predictor of genetic structure, has so far been strongly corroborated. In addition, locations connected by low levels of gene flow have low levels of community similarity, This suggests that similar process regulate both genetic and community structure, and that ecological and evolutionary processes may be strongly linked.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kamel, S. J., J. J. Stachowicz, A. R. Hughes, and R. K. Grosberg. 2013. Genetic relatedness influences plant biomass accumulation in eelgrass (Zostera marina). American Naturalist 181: 715-724
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kelly, M. W., R. K. Grosberg, and E. D. Sanford. 2013. Trade-offs, geography, and limits to thermal adaptation in a tide pool copepod. American Naturalist 181: 1-9.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kamel, S. J. and R. K. Grosberg. 2013. Kin selection in the sea. Biology Letters 9: 1-4.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Keever, C. C, J. B. Puritz, J. A. Addison, M. Byrne, R. K. Grosberg, R. J. Toonen, and M. W. Hart. 2013. Shallow gene pools in the high intertidal: Extreme loss of genetic diversity in viviparous sea stars (Parvulastra). Biology Letters 9: 20130551
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Eberl R., M. Mateos, R. K. Grosberg, C. A. Santamaria, and L. A. Hurtado. 2013. Phylogeography of the supralittoral isopod Ligia occidentalis around the Point Conception marine biogeographical boundary. Journal of Biogeography 40: 2361-2372.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Dawson, M. N, C. G. Hays, R. K. Grosberg and P. T. Raimondi. 2014. Dispersal potential and population genetic structure of synchronously diverging co-distributed taxa in the marine intertidal of the eastern North Pacific. Ecological Monographs 84: 435-456. (Submitted, Revised, Accepted 2013)
|
Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The project integrates information about patterns of genetic diversity, species diversity, and population connectivity to guide the development and implementation of a system of marine reserves along the California coastline. The project consists of three components: population genetics (Objective 1); community ecology (Objective 2), and physical oceanography (partially supported by a CEQI (Coastal Environmental Quality Initiative) grant from the University of California Office of the President). Synthesis of the three objectives remains the primary emphasis of this project, and is being achieved by completing analysis of mtDNA sequences from multiple individuals of each target species, sampled from 31 sites spanning the entire California coastline. So far we have completed data collection for the seastar PISASTER OCHRACEOUS, the pink volcano barnacle TETRACLITA RUBESCENS (which is expanding its range northward), a common upper intertidal limpet, LOTTIA (aka COLLISELLA) SCABRA, the batstar PATIRIA MINIATA, and two species of intertidal algae in the genus SILVETIA. We have submitted two major manuscripts. In the upcoming year, we are focusing are efforts on a major intertidal mortality event in central California that killed nearly every sea urchin and most seatars along a 200 km stretch of coastline. The information is being disseminated to the California Marine Life Protection Act Science Advisory Teams in northern and southern California to provide comprehensive ecological and genetic information concerning patterns of connectivity and sustainability of nearshore marine communities. PARTICIPANTS: Graduate Students: Christopher Griesemer (UC Davis); Brendan Cornwell (UC Davis); Frances Armstrong (UC Davis) Postdoctoral Fellows: Cynthia Hays (UC Merced); Will White (UC Davis/Bodega Marine Lab) Collaborators: Brian Gaylord (UC Davis); John Largier (UC Davis); Peter Raimondi (UCSC); Mike Dawson (UC Merced) TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include multiple stakeholders (e.g., recreational and commercial fishers) and organizations involved in the development and implementation of the California Marine Life Protection Act, and state resource managers and policymakers responsible for developing sustainable nearshore marine fisheries in California. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: During the last year of this study, we witnessed an unprecedented major die-off of many intertidal invertebrates, associated with an extensive harmful algal bloom. This die-off exterminated nearly all sea urchins, many seastars, gumboot chitons, and abalones along a stretch of coastline from Pt. Reyes, CA north to Pt. Arena, CA. Many of these invertebrates are keystone species that play a pivotal role in structuring intertidal communities. We are monitoring, using both genetic approaches and field censuses, the recovery from this mortality event.
Impacts
Information on patterns and levels of genetic variation in coastal marine species provides the foundation for (1) developing sustainable management and conservation policies for most commercially important, coastal species and (2) understanding how global climate change and other human impacts (including harvesting) will influence genetic variation, population dynamics, and community structure. Our multispecies approach to characterizing genetic structure, using a consistent, intensive sampling design is the first comprehensive analysis of the relationship between population dynamics, dispersal, genetic diversity, and species diversity in an ecologically and economically critical assemblage of marine species. To date, our genetic data show that species with high dispersal potential exhibit exceptionally high genetic diversity, with little evidence of geographic structure across the entire range of these species. These patterns suggest that there is substantial gene flow connecting populations, and that effective populations sizes are large. Species with more limited dispersal potential, such as LOTTIA SCABRA and NUCELLA OSTRINA exhibit far more complex patterns of genetic variation and structure. A notable exception is the bat star PATIRIA MINIATA. This species has high dispersal potential, but exhibits a strong genetic break along the Pacific Coast in the Queen Charlotte Islands of British Columbia. This exception suggests that other factors, beyond dispersal potential, can strongly affect genetic patterns and the distribution of species. During the previous reporting year, we devoted most of our effort to completing genetic analyses of several additional species of intertidal algae and invertebrates. Our initial prediction, that dispersal ability is a strong predictor of genetic structure, has so far been strongly corroborated. In addition, locations connected by low levels of gene flow have low levels of community similarity, This suggests that similar process regulate both genetic and community structure, and that ecological and evolutionary processes may be strongly linked.
Publications
- Kamel, S. J., A. R. Hughes, J. J. Stachowicz, and R. K. Grosberg. 2012. Fine-scale genetic structure and relatedness in the eelgrass Zostera marina. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 447: 127-137.
- Grosberg, R. K., G. J. Vermeij, and P. C. Wainwright. 2012. Patterns of biodiversity across the physical realms of life. CURRENT BIOLOGY 22: 900-903.
- Kelly, M. W., E. D. Sanford, and R. K. Grosberg. 2012. Love the one you're with: proximity determines paternity success in the barnacle Tetraclita rubescens. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY 20: 5088-5097.
- Kamel, S. J. and R. K. Grosberg. 2012. Exclusive male care despite extreme female promiscuity and low paternity in a marine snail. ECOLOGY LETTERS 10: 1167-1173.
|
Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The project aims to integrate information about patterns of genetic diversity, species diversity, and population connectivity to guide the development and implementation of a system of marine reserves along the California coastline. The project consists of three interwoven components: population genetics (Objective 1); community ecology (Objective 2), and physical oceanography (partially supported by a CEQI (Coastal Environmental Quality Initiative) grant from the University of California Office of the President). Synthesis of the three objetctives is currently the primary emphasis of this project, and is being achieved by completing analysis of mtDNA sequences from multiple individuals of each target species, sampled from 31 sites spanning the entire California coastline. So far, of the 11 targeted species, we completed data collection for the seastar PISASTER OCHRACEOUS, the pink volcano barnacle TETRACLITA RUBENS (which is expanding its range northward), a common upper intertidal limpet, LOTTIA (aka COLLISELLA) SCABRA, the batstar PATIRIA MINIATA, and two species of intertidal algae in the genus SILVETIA. The upcoming year of this project will focus on synthesizing the genetic information that we have nearly completed collecting with the community data and oceanographic models for connectivity. The information is being disseminated to the California Marine Life Protection Act Science Advisory Teams in northern and southern California to provide comprehensive ecological and genetic information concerning patterns of connectivity and sustainability of nearshore marine communities. PARTICIPANTS: Graduate Students: Morgan Kelly (UC Davis); Gabrielle Miller-Messner (UC Davis); Christopher Griesemer (UC Davis); Brendan Cornwell (UC Davis) Postdoctoral Fellows: Cynthia Hays (UC Merced); Will White (UC Davis/Bodega Marine Lab) Collaborators: Brian Gaylord (UC Davis); John Largier (UC Davis); Peter Raimondi (UCSC); Mike Dawson (UC Merced) TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include multiple stakeholders (e.g., recreational and commercial fishers) and organizations involved in the development and implementation of the California Marine Life Protection Act, and state resource managers and policymakers responsible for developing sustainable nearshore marine fisheries in California. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Information on patterns and levels of genetic variation in coastal marine species provides the foundation for (1) developing sustainable management and conservation policies for most commercially important, coastal species and (2) understanding how global climate change and other human impacts (including harvesting) will influence genetic variation, population dynamics, and community structure. Our multispecies approach to characterizing genetic structure, using a consistent, intensive sampling design is the first comprehensive analysis of the relationship between population dynamics, dispersal, genetic diversity, and species diversity in an ecologically and economically critical assemblage of marine species. To date, our genetic data show that species with high dispersal potential exhibit exceptionally high genetic diversity, with little evidence of geographic structure across the entire range of these species. These patterns suggest that there is substantial gene flow connecting populations, and that effective populations sizes are large. Species with more limited dispersal potential, such as LOTTIA SCABRA and NUCELLA OSTRINA exhibit far more complex patterns of genetic variation and structure. A notable exception is the bat star PATIRIA MINIATA. This species has high dispersal potential, but exhibits a strong genetic break along the Pacific Coast in the Queen Charlotte Islands of British Columbia. This exception suggests that other factors, beyond dispersal potential, can strongly affect genetic patterns and the distribution of species. During this reporting year, we devoted most of our effort to completing genetic analyses of several additional species of intertidal algae and invertebrates. Our initial prediction, that dispersal ability is a strong predictor of genetic structure, has so far been strongly corroborated. In addition, locations connected by low levels of gene flow have low levels of community similarity, This suggests that similar process regulate both genetic and community structure, and that ecological and evolutionary processes may be strongly linked.
Publications
- Toonen, R. J. and R. K. Grosberg. In press. Causes of chaos: spatial and temporal genetic heterogeneity in the intertidal anomuran crab Petrolisthes cinctipes. In: S. Koeneman, C. Held, & C. Schubart (eds.) Phylogeography and Population Genetics in Crustacea. CRC Press Crustacean Issues, ISBN 1439840733. Kelly, M. W., E. D. Sanford, and R. K. Grosberg. 2011. Limited potential for adaptation to climate change in a marine crustacean. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B 279: 349-356 Kamel, S. J., A. R. Hughes, J. J. Stachowicz, and R. K. Grosberg. In press. Fine-scale genetic structure and relatedness in the eelgrass Zostera marina. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES.
|
Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The project aims to integrate information about patterns of genetic diversity, species diversity, and population connectivity to guide the development and implementation of a system of marine reserves along the California coastline. The project consists of three interwoven components: population genetics (Objective 1); community ecology (Objective 2), and physical oceanography (partially supported by a CEQI (Coastal Environmental Quality Initiative) grant from the University of California Office of the President). Synthesis of the three objetctives is currently the primary emphasis of this project, and is being achieved by completing analysis of mtDNA sequences from multiple individuals of each target species, sampled from 31 sites spanning the entire California coastline. So far, of the 11 targeted species, we completed data collection for the seastar PISASTER OCHRACEOUS, the pink volcano barnacle TETRACLITA RUBENS (which is expanding its range northward), a common upper intertidal limpet, LOTTIA (aka COLLISELLA) SCABRA, the batstar PATIRIA MINIATA, and two species of intertidal algae in the genus SILVETIA. The next year of this project will focus on synthesizing the genetic information that we have nearly completed collecting with the community data and oceanographic models for connectivity. The information is being disseminated to the California Marine Life Protection Act Science Advisory Teams in northern and southern California to provide comprehensive ecological and genetic information concerning patterns of connectivity and sustainability of nearshore marine communities. PARTICIPANTS: Graduate Students: Morgan Kelly (UC Davis); Gabrielle Miller-Messner (UC Davis); Kristen Kusic-Heady (UCSC); Christopher Griesemer (UC Davis). Postdoctoral Fellows: Cynthia Hays (UC Merced); Will White (UC Davis/Bodega Marine Lab) Collaborators: Brian Gaylord (UC Davis); John Largier (UC Davis); Peter Raimondi (UCSC); Mike Dawson (UC Merced) TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include multiple stakeholders (e.g., recreational and commercial fishers) and organizations involved in the development and implementation of the California Marine Life Protection Act, and state resource managers and policymakers responsible for developing sustainable nearshore marine fisheries in California. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Information on patterns and levels of genetic variation in coastal marine species provides the foundation for (1) developing sustainable management and conservation policies for most commercially important, coastal species and (2) understanding how global climate change and other human impacts (including harvesting) will influence genetic variation, population dynamics, and community structure. Our multispecies approach to characterizing genetic structure, using a consistent, intensive sampling design is the first comprehensive analysis of the relationship between population dynamics, dispersal, genetic diversity, and species diversity in an ecologically and economically critical assemblage of marine species. To date, our genetic data show that species with high dispersal potential exhibit exceptionally high genetic diversity, with little evidence of geographic structure across the entire range of these species. These patterns suggest that there is substantial gene flow connecting populations, and that effective populations sizes are large. Species with more limited dispersal potential, such as LOTTIA SCABRA and NUCELLA OSTRINA exhibit far more complex patterns of genetic variation and structure. A notable exception is the bat star PATIRIA MINIATA. This species has high dispersal potential, but exhibits a strong genetic break along the Pacific Coast in the Queen Charlotte Islands of British Columbia. This exception suggests that other factors, beyond dispersal potential, can strongly affect genetic patterns and the distribution of species. During this reporting year, we devoted most of our effort to completing genetic analyses of two remaining species, including the gooseneck barnacle POLLICIPES POLYMERUS, and the limpet LOTTIA AUSTRODIGITALIS. Our initial prediction, that dispersal ability is a strong predictor of genetic structure, has so far been strongly corroborated. In addition, locations connected by low levels of gene flow have low levels of community similarity, This suggests that similar process regulate both genetic and community structure, and that ecological and evolutionary processes may be strongly linked.
Publications
- Vermeij, G. and R. K. Grosberg. 2010. The great divergence: When did diversity on land exceed that in the sea INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY 50: 675-682.
- Kamel, S. J., Grosberg, R. K., and D. Marshall. 2010. Family conflicts in the sea. TRENDS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION 25: 442-449.
- Kamel, S. J., F. X. Oyarzun, and R. K. Grosberg. 2010. Reproductive biology, family conflict, and offspring size in marine invertebrates. INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY 50: 619-629.
- Dawson, M. N., Barber, P. H., Toonen, R. J., and Grosberg, R. K. 2011. Phylogeography of Emerita analoga (Crustacea, Decapoda, Hippidae), an eastern Pacific Ocean sand crab with long-lived pelagic larvae. JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, in press.
- Dawson, M. N., R. K. Grosberg, Y. E. Stuart and E. D. Sanford. 2010. Rangewide patterns of genetic variation in the volcano barnacle Tetraclita rubescens: implications for the evolution of range boundaries. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY 19: 1585-1605.
|
Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The project aims to integrate information about patterns of genetic diversity, species diversity, and population connectivity to guide the development and implementation of a system of marine reserves along the California coastline. The project consists of three interwoven components: population genetics (Objective 1); community ecology (Objective 2), and physical oceanography (supported by a recently funded CEQI (Coastal Environmental Quality Initiative) grant from the University of California Office of the President). Objective 1 is currently the primary emphasis of this project, and is being achieved by analyzing mtDNA sequences from multiple individuals (n is more or less 50) of each target species, sampled from 31 sites spanning the entire California coastline. So far, of the 11 targeted species, we completed data collection for the seastar PISASTER OCHRACEOUS, the pink volcano barnacle TETRACLITA RUBENS (which is expanding its range northward), a common upper intertidal limpet, LOTTIA (aka COLLISELLA) SCABRA, the batstar PATIRIA MINIATA, and two species of intertidal algae in the genus SILVETIA. The next year of this project will focus on (1) gathering on comparable genetic data for at least three more of the targeted species and (2) assembling and analyzing the massive amount of community diversity data that the team of researchers has assembled. The information is being disseminated to the California Marine Life Protection Act Science Advisory Teams in northern and southern California to provide comprehensive ecological and genetic information concerning patterns of connectivity and sustainability of nearshore marine communities. PARTICIPANTS: Graduate Students: Morgan Kelly (UC Davis); Gabrielle Miller-Messner (UC Davis); Kristen Kusic-Heady (UCSC); Christopher Grisemer (UC Davis). Postdoctoral Fellows: Cynthia Hays (UC Davis); Will White (UC Davis/Bodega Marine Lab) Collborators: Brian Gaylord (UC Davis); John Largier (UC Davis); Peter Raimondi (UCSC); Mike Dawson (UC Merced) TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include multiple stakeholders (e.g., recreational and commercial fishers) and organizations involved in the development and implementation of the California Marine Life Protection Act, and state resource managers and policymakers responsible for developing sustainable nearshore marine fisheries in California. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Information on patterns and levels of genetic variation in coastal marine species provides the foundation for (1) developing sustainable management and conservation policies for most commercially important, coastal species and (2) understanding how global climate change and other human impacts (including harvesting) will influence genetic variation, population dynamics, and community structure. Our multispecies approach to characterizing genetic structure, using a consistent, intensive sampling design is the first comprehensive analysis of the relationship between population dynamics, dispersal, genetic diversity, and species diversity in an ecologically and economically critical assemblage of marine species. To date, our genetic data show that species with high dispersal potential exhibit exceptionally high genetic diversity, with little evidence of geographic structure across the entire range of these species. These patterns suggest that there is substantial gene flow connecting populations, and that effective populations sizes are large. Species with more limited dispersal potential, such as LOTTIA SCABRA and NUCELLA OSTRINA exhibit far more complex patterns of genetic variation and structure. A notable exception is the bat star PATIRIA MINIATA. This species has high dispersal potential, but exhibits a strong genetic break along the Pacific Coast in the Queen Charlotte Islands of British Columbia. This exception suggests that other factors, beyond dispersal potential, can strongly affect genetic patterns and the distribution of species. Our next goal is to link these patterns of genetic diversity to patterns of species diversity.
Publications
- Keever C. C., J. Sunday, J. B Puritz, J. A. Addison, R. J. Toonen, R. K. Grosberg, and M. W. Hart. 2009. Discordant distribution of populations and genetic variation in a sea star with high dispersal potential. EVOLUTION 63: 3214-3227.
- Graham, M. H., B. P. Kinlan, & R. K. Grosberg. 2010. Post-glacial redistribution and shifts in productivity of giant kelp forests. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B 277:397-406.
|
Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The project aims to integrate information about patterns of genetic diversity, species diversity, and population connectivity to guide the development and implementation of a system of marine reserves along the California coastline. The project consists of three interwoven components: population genetics (Objective 1); community ecology (Objective 2), and physical oceanography (supported by a recently funded CEQI (Coastal Environmental Quality Initiative) grant from the University of California Office of the President). Objective 1 is currently the primary emphasis of this project, and is being achieved by analyzing mtDNA sequences from multiple individuals (n is more or less 50) of each target species, sampled from 31 sites spanning the entire California coastline. So far, of the 11 targeted species, we completed data collection for the seastar PISASTER OCHRACEOUS, the pink volcano barnacle TETRACLITA RUBENS (which is expanding its range northward), and a common upper intertidal limpet, LOTTIA (aka COLLISELLA) SCABRA. The next year of this project will focus on (1) gathering on comparable genetic data for at least four more of the targeted species and (2) assembling and analyzing the massive amount of community diversity data that the team of researchers has assembled. The information is being disseminated to the California Marine Life Protection Act Science Advisory Teams in northern and southern California to provide comprehensive ecological and genetic information concerning patterns of connectivity and sustainability of nearshore marine communities. PARTICIPANTS: Graduate Students: Morgan Kelly (UC Davis); Gabrielle Miller-Messner (UC Davis); Kristen Kusic-Heady (UCSC). Postdoctoral Fellows: Cynthia Hays (UC Davis); Will White (UC Davis/Bodega Marine Lab). Collborators: Brian Gaylord (UC Davis); John Largier (UC Davis); Peter Raimondi (UCSC); Mike Dawson (UC Merced). TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include multiple stakeholders (e.g., recreational and commercial fishers) and organizations involved in the development and implementation of the California Marine Life Protection Act, and state resource managers and policymakers responsible for developing sustainable nearshore marine fisheries in California. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Information on patterns and levels of genetic variation in coastal marine species provides the foundation for (1) developing sustainable management and conservation policies for most commercially important, coastal species and (2) understanding how global climate change and other human impacts (including harvesting) will influence genetic variation, population dynamics, and community structure. Our multispecies approach to characterizing genetic structure, using a consistent, intensive sampling design is the first comprehensive analysis of the relationship between population dynamics, dispersal, genetic diversity, and species diversity in an ecologically and economically critical assemblage of marine species. To date, our genetic data show that species with high dispersal potential exhibit exceptionally high genetic diversity, with little evidence of geographic structure across the entire range of these species. These patterns suggest that there is substantial gene flow connecting populations, and that effective populations sizes are large. Species with more limited dispersal potential, such as LOTTIA SCABRA and NUCELLA OSTRINA exhibit far more complex patterns of genetic variation and structure. Our next goal is to link these patterns of genetic diversity to patterns of species diversity.
Publications
- Grosberg, R. K., Y. E. Stuart, and M. N. Dawson. 2009. Rangewide patterns of genetic variation in the volcano barnacle TETRACLITA RUBESCENS: implications for the evolution of range boundaries. Molecular Ecology. In Press.
- Dawson, M. N and R. K. Grosberg. 2009. Population genetics, phylogeography, and the biogeography of speciation around Point Conception (California, USA) in a cryptic species complex of marine nail. Molecular Ecology. In Press.
|
Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
The project aims to integrate information about patterns of genetic diversity, species diversity, and population connectivity to guide the development and implementation of a system of marine reserves along the California coastline. The project consists of three interwoven components: population genetics (Objective 1); community ecology (Objective 2), and physical oceanography (supported by a recently funded CEQI (Coastal Environmental Quality Initiative) grant from the University of California Office of the President). Objective 1 is currently the primary emphasis of this project, and is being achieved by analyzing mtDNA sequences from multiple individuals (n greater than 50) of each target species, sampled from 31 sites spanning the entire California coastline. So far, of the 11 targeted species, we have completed data collection for the seastar PISASTER OCHRACEOUS, the pink volcano barnacle TETRACLITA RUBENS (which is expanding its range northward), and a common
upper intertidal limpet, LOTTIA (aka Collisella) SCABRA. In the case of both Pisaster and Tetraclita, genetic diversity is exceptionally high throughout the entire range of both species, and there is little evidence of geographic structure. LOTTIA SCABRA exhibits are far more complex pattern of genetic variation and structure, and preliminary results indicate that there are at least two sibling species along the California coast. The next year of this project will focus on gathering on comparable genetic data for at least four more of the targeted species.
Impacts
Information on patterns and levels of genetic variation in coastal marine species provides the foundation for (1) developing sustainable management and conservation policies for most commercially important, coastal species and (2) understanding how global climate change and other human impacts (including harvesting) will influence genetic variation, population dynamics, and community structure. Our multispecies approach to characterizing genetic structure, using a consistent, intensive sampling design will provide the first comprehensive analysis of the relationship between population dynamics, dispersal, genetic diversity, and species diversity in an ecologically and economically critical assemblage of marine species.
Publications
- Newberry, T. and R. K. Grosberg. 2007. Tunicates, pp. 595-600. In ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TIDEPOOLS AND ROCKY SHORES (M. W. Denny and S. D. Gaines, eds.). Univ. of California Press, Berkeley.
- Grosberg, R. K. and R.R. Strathmann. 2007. The evolution of multicellularity: a minor major transition. Annual Reviews of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 38:621-654.
- Sax D. F., J. J. Stachowicz, J. H. Brown, J. F. Bruno, M. N. Dawson, S. D. Gaines, R. K. Grosberg, A. Hastings, R. D. Holt, M. M. Mayfield, M. I. O'Connor, and W. R. Rice. 2007. Ecological and evolutionary insights from species invasions. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 22:465-471.
|
Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Our current research primarily focuses on understanding the physical and biological processes that regulate marine populations, especially stock-recruitment relationships and range boundaries. For many commercially important marine invertebrates with sedentary adult phases and planktonic larval phases (e.g., urchins, crabs, sea cucumbers, mussels, and oysters), larval dispersal may be a critical determinant of both population dynamics and geographic ranges. The empirical challenge is to measure patterns and levels of dispersal in the sea. We are continuing and extending a project that uses high-resolution microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA sequences to understand the population dynamics and dispersal patterns of several intertidal marine invertebrates. We recently completed a project on the seastar PISASTER OCHRACEOUS, a keystone predator along the Pacific Coast of California. We are now emphasizing studies of a barnacle (TETRACLITA RUBENS) that will
complement our previous work on the barnacle BALANUS GLANDULA, and a common upper intertidal limpet, LOTTIA (aka Collisella) SCABRA. The range of Tetraclita has been extending northward over the last several decades, suggesting that the well-documented increase in local seawater temperatures may be facilitating the northward range extension of this species. We are using genetic studies to identify source populations for newly established populations along the range boundary, and to characterize whether there is sufficient genetic variation in invading populations so that they can adaptively respond to novel environments at the range boundary. We are also collaborating with colleagues at Bodega Marine Laboratory to determine the physiological tolerances of these barnacles, and to characterize the relative contributions of genetic and physiological adaptation as populations expand northward.
Impacts
Information on patterns and levels of dispersal of marine species with long-lived planktonic larvae provides the foundation for (1) developing sustainable management and conservation policies for most commercially important, coastal species and (2) understanding how global climate change will influence species distributions and ecosystem function. Our studies on genetic structure in populations of seastars, barnacles, limpets, and other marine species provide the first comprehensive analysis of the relationship between population dynamics, dispersal, and genetic structure in widespread marine species.
Publications
- Gilman, S.E. 2006 The northern geographic range limit of the intertidal limpet COLLISELLA SCABRA: a test of performance, recruitment, and temperature hypotheses Ecography 29:709-720.
- Dawson, M.N. and R. K. Grosberg. 2006. Connectivity in marine protected areas. Science 313:43-45.
|
Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Our current research primarily focuses on understanding the physical and biological processes that regulate marine populations, especially stock-recruitment relationships and range boundaries. For many commercially important marine invertebrates with sedentary adult phases and planktonic larval phases (e.g., urchins, crabs, sea cucumbers, mussels, and oysters), larval dispersal may be a critical determinant of both population dynamics and geographic ranges. The empirical challenge is to measure patterns and levels of dispersal in the sea. We are continuing and extending a project that uses high-resolution microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA sequences to understand the population dynamics and dispersal patterns of several intertidal marine invertebrates, now emphasizing studies of a barnacle (TETRACLITA RUBENS) that will complement our previous work on the barnacle BALANUS GLANDULA. The range of Tetralcita has been extending northward over the last several
decades, suggesting that the well-documented increase in local seawater temperatures may be facilitating the northward range extension of this species. We are using genetic studies to identify source populations for newly established populations along the range boundary, and to characterize whether there is sufficient genetic variation in invading populations so that they can adaptively respond to novel environments at the range boundary. We are also collaborating with colleagues at Bodega Marine Laboratory to determine the physiological tolerances of these barnacles, and to characterize the relative contributions of genetic and physiological adaptation as populations expand northward.
Impacts
Information on patterns and levels of dispersal of marine species with long-lived planktonic larvae provides the foundation for (1) developing sustainable management and conservation policies for most commercially important, coastal species and (2) understanding how global climate change will influence species distributions and ecosystem function. Our studies on genetic structure in populations of barnacles and other marine species provide the first comprehensive analysis of the relationship between population dynamics, dispersal, and genetic structure in any widespread marine species.
Publications
- ilman, S.E. 2005. A test of Brown's Principle in the intertidal limpet COLLISELLA SCABRA. The Journal of Biogeography 32:1583-1589.
- Wares, J. P., A. R. Hughes and R. K. Grosberg. 2005. Mechanisms that drive evolutionary change: Insight from species introductions and invasions, pp 229-257. IN Species Invasions: Insights into Ecology, Evolution, and Biogeography (Dov F. Sax, John J. Stachowicz, and Steven D. Gaines, eds.). Sinauer Press, Sunderland, MA.
- Gilman, S.E. 2006. Life at the edge: an experimental study of a poleward range boundary. Oecologia. In press.
|
Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Our current research primarily focuses on understanding the processes that regulate marine populations, especially stock-recruitment relationships. For many commercially important marine invertebrates with sedentary adult phases and planktonic larval phases (e.g., urchins, crabs, sea cucumbers, mussels, and oysters), stock-recruitment models show that spatial and temporal patterns of larval dispersal may be critical determinants of adult population dynamics. The empirical challenge is to measure patterns and levels of dispersal in the sea. We are continuing a project that uses high-resolution microsatellite markers to characterize temporal and spatial changes in the genetic composition of larval and adult populations of the widespread intertidal barnacle, BALANUS GLANDULA. Over the last year, we have completed an analysis of population structure and gene flow in this species, based on sequence information from nuclear and mitochondrial genes. In principle, such
species (e.g., crabs, oysters, barnacles, mussels) have enormous dispersal potential, leading to the formation of a large, homogeneous larval pool and strong demographic coupling among local populations. Our recently published analyses reveal a surprising genetic break spanning Monterey Bay, suggesting that dispersal is extremely limited in this region, but not elsewhere. We are refining our sampling and analyses to (1) confirm this pattern, (2) assess the relationship between breeding systems and genetic structure, and (3) extend the geographic and temporal scope. In addition, we are extending our project to include other species, especially near-shore crabs with similar biogeographic ranges and dispersal potential.
Impacts
Information on patterns and levels of dispersal of marine species with long-lived planktonic larvae provides the foundation for developing sustainable management and conservation policies for most commercially important, coastal species. Our studies on genetic structure in populations of acorn barnacles and crabs provide the first comprehensive analysis of the relationship between population dynamics, mating systems, and genetic structure in any widespread marine species.
Publications
- Toonen, R. J. 2004. Genetic evidence of multiple paternity of broods in the intertidal crab PETROLISTHES CINCTIPES. Marine Ecology Progress Series 270: 259-263.
- Toonen, R. J., M. Locke, and R. K. Grosberg. 2004. Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci from the Dungeness crab CANCER MAGISTER. Molecular Ecology 4: 30-32.
- Sotka, E.E., J. P. Wares, J. A. Barth, R. K. Grosberg, and S. R. Palumbi. 2004. Strong genetic clines and geographical variation in gene flow in the rocky intertidal barnacle BALANUS GLANDULA. Molecular Ecology 13: 2143-2156.
|
Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Our current research primarily focuses on understanding the processes that regulate marine populations, especially stock-recruitment relationships. For many commercially important marine invertebrates with sedentary adult phases and planktonic larval phases (e.g., urchins, crabs, sea cucumbers, mussels, and oysters), stock-recruitment models show that spatial and temporal patterns of larval dispersal may be critical determinants of adult population dynamics. The empirical challenge is to measure patterns and levels of dispersal in the sea. We are continuing a project that uses high-resolution microsatellite markers to characterize temporal and spatial changes in the genetic composition of larval and adult populations of the widespread intertidal barnacle, Balanus glandula. Over the last year, we have completed an analysis of population structure and gene flow in this species, based on sequence information from nuclear and mitochondrial genes. In principle, such
species (e.g., crabs, oysters, barnacles, mussels) have enormous dispersal potential, leading to the formation of a large, homogeneous larval pool and strong demographic coupling among local populations. Our initial analyses reveal a surprising genetic break spanning Monterey Bay, suggesting that dispersal is extremely limited in this region, but not elsewhere. We are refining our sampling and analyses to confirm this pattern, and to extend its geographic and temporal scope. In addition, we are extending our project to include other species with similar biogeographic ranges and dispersal potential.
Impacts
Information on patterns and levels of dispersal of marine species with long-lived planktonic larvae provides the foundation for developing sustainable management and conservation policies for most commercially important, coastal species. Our studies provide the first comprehensive analysis of the relationship between population dynamics and genetic structure in any widespread marine species.
Publications
- Hughes, T.P., A.H. Baird, D.R. Bellwood, M. Card, S.R. Connolly, C. Folke, R.K. Grosberg, et al. 2003. Climate change, human impacts, and the resilience of coral reefs. Science 301:929-933.
|
Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Our current research primarily focuses on understanding the processes that regulate marine populations, especially stock-recruitment relationships. For many commercially important marine invertebrates with sedentary adult phases and planktonic larval phases (e.g., urchins, crabs, sea cucumbers, mussels, and oysters), stock-recruitment models show that spatial and temporal patterns of larval dispersal may be critical determinants of adult population dynamics. The empirical challenge is to measure patterns and levels of dispersal in the sea. We are in the first phases of a new project that uses high-resolution microsatellite markers to characterize temporal and spatial changes in the genetic composition of larval and adult populations of the widespread intertidal barnacle, BALANUS GLANDULA. Over the last six months, we have developed a battery of genetic markers that will enable us to characterize genetic structure throughout the range of this species and to relate
these patterns of recruitment. One of the most surprising and striking patterns to emerge is widespread geographic variation in recruitment rates in species whose propagules spend long periods of time in the ocean. In principle, such species (e.g., crabs, oysters, barnacles, mussels) have enormous dispersal potential, leading to the formation of a large, homogeneous larval pool and strong demographic coupling among local populations. Our initial analyses reveal a surprising genetic break spanning Monterey Bay, suggesting that dispersal is extremely limited in this region, but not elsewhere. We are refining our sampling and analyses to confirm this pattern, and to extend its geographic and temporal scope.
Impacts
Patterns and levels of dispersal of marine species with long-lived planktonic larvae provide the foundation for developing sustainable management and conservation policies for commercially important coastal species. Studies on genetic structure in populations of acorn barnacles provide a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between population dynamics and genetic structure in marine species.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Our current research primarily focuses on understanding the processes that regulate marine populations, especially stock-recruitment relationships. For many commercially important marine invertebrates with sedentary adult phases and planktonic larval phases (e.g., urchins, crabs, sea cucumbers, mussels, and oysters), stock-recruitment models show that spatial and temporal patterns of larval dispersal may be critical determinants of adult population dynamics. The empirical challenge is to measure patterns and levels of dispersal in the sea. We are continuing a project that uses high-resolution microsatellite markers to characterize temporal and spatial changes in the genetic composition of larval and adult populations of the Dungeness crab off the coast of central and northern California. These data are the foundation for delineating management units, and developing sustainable harvest protocols. In previous years, we identified 17 highly polymorphic microsatellite
loci, and developed multiplexing techniques that allowed us to assay four loci simultaneously on an automated sequencer. We have now completed our analysis of adult samples collected throughout their range along the West Coast of North America. Our results unexpectedly show that there is a great deal of genetic structure, despite the potential for extensive larval dispersal in this species, with a highly significant break in southern Alaska, and the signature of a similar break in northern California. Just as importantly, many of these markers - while generally assumed to behave as mendelian alleles - do not, calling into question the conclusions of many previous studies. Finally, our results show temporal instability in genetic structure, for reasons that we still do not understand. As this project continues, we plan to increase the spatial resolution of our sampling and broaden the scope of the study to include other nearshore crustacean species, such as the porcelain crab. This
will allow us to assess the generality of our findings to other species with similar ecologies, and to develop robust management plans.
Impacts
Information on patterns and levels of dispersal commercially harvested finfish and shellfish populations provide the foundation for developing sustainable management policies. Our studies on genetic structure in populations of porcelain and Dungeness crabs provide the first such information for these ecologically and commercially valuable species.
Publications
- Grosberg, R. K. and Cunningham, C.W. 2001. Genetic structure in the sea: from populations to communities, p. 61-84. IN M. D. Bertness, S. Gaines, and M. E. Hay (Eds.), MARINE COMMUNITY ECOLOGY. Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, MA.
|
Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Much of our current research focuses on understanding the processes that regulate marine populations, especially stock-recruitment relationships. For many commercially important marine invertebrates with sedentary adult phases and planktonic larval phases (e.g., urchins, crabs, sea cucumbers, mussels, and oysters), stock-recruitment models show that spatial and temporal patterns of larval dispersal may be critical determinants of adult population dynamics. The empirical challenge is to measure patterns and levels of dispersal in the sea. We are continuing a project that uses high-resolution microsatellite markers to characterize temporal and spatial changes in the genetic composition of larval and adult populations of the Dungeness crab off the coast of central and northern California. These data are the foundation for delineating management units, and developing sustainable harvest protocols. In previous years, we identified 10 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci,
and developed multiplexing techniques that allowed us to assay four loci simultaneously on an automated sequencer. We are now completing our analysis of adult samples collected throughout their range along the West Coast of North America. Our results unexpectedly show that there is a great deal of genetic structure, despite the potential for extensive larval dispersal in this species, with a highly significant break in southern Alaska, and the signature of a similar break in northern California. As this project continues, we will (1) analyze crab larvae, (2) incorporate a temporal component into the sampling of adult populations, and (3) increase the spatial resolution of our sampling. This will allow us to estimate effective population size and the susceptibility of subpopulations to stochastic extinction.
Impacts
Information on patterns and levels of dispersal commercially harvested finfish and shellfish populations provide the foundation for developing sustainable management policies. Our studies on genetic structure in populations of Dungeness crabs provide the first such information for this valuable species.
Publications
- Grosberg, R.K. and Cunningham, C.W. 2000. Genetic structure in the sea: from populations to communities. In M. D. Bertness, S. Gaines and M. E. Hay (Eds.), Marine Community Ecology. Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, MA. In press.
|
Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Nearly all populations of commercially harvested finfish and shellfish show dramatic numerical fluctuations in both space and time. A fundamental goal of resource managers is to identify the processes that regulate stock-recruitment relationships, in order to specify how harvesting practices and environmental factors differentially regulate population dynamics. A growing number of stock-recruitment models show that for organisms with discrete larval and adult phases, spatial and temporal patterns of larval dispersal may be critical determinants of adult population dynamics. This project uses high resolution microsatellite markers to characterize temporal and spatial changes in the genetic composition of larval and adult populations of the Dungeness crab off the coast of central and northern California. These data are the foundation for delineating management units, and developing sustainable harvest protocols. Over the last year, we have identified 10 highly
polymorphic microsatellite loci, and developed multiplexing techniques that allow us to assay four loci simultaneously on an automated sequencer. We are now screening juvenile and adult samples collected throughout their range along the West Coast of North America. Our results unexpectedly show that there is a great deal of genetic structure, with a highly significant break in southern Alaska, and the signature of a similar break in northern California. As this project continues, we will (1) analyze crab larvae, (2) incorporate a temporal component into the sampling, and (3) increase the spatial resolution of our sampling. This will allow us to estimate effective population size and the susceptibility of subpopulations to stochastic extinction.
Impacts
A fundamental goal of resource managers is to identify the processes that regulate stock-recruitment relationships, in order to specify how harvesting practices and environmental factors differentially regulate population dynamics. These data are the foundation for delineating management units, and developing sustainable harvest protocols.
Publications
- Grosberg, R. K. and Cunningham, C. W. 2000. Genetic structure in the sea: From populations to communities. In M. D. Bertness, S. Gaines, and M. E. Hay (Eds.), Marine Community Ecology. Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, MA. In Press.
- Eppley, S.M., Stanton, M. L. and Grosberg, R. K. 1998. Intrapopulation sex-ratio variation in the salt grass DISTICHLIS SPICATA. American Naturalist 152:659-670.
|
Progress 01/01/98 to 12/01/98
Outputs
Nearly all populations of commercially harvested finfish and shellfish show dramatic numerical fluctuations in both space and time. A fundamental goal of resource managers is to identify the processes that regulate stock-recruitment relationships, in order to specify how harvesting practices and environmental factors differentially regulate population dynamics. Traditional approaches to predicting stock-recruitment relationships have repeatedly led to overexploitation of commercially valuable stocks throughout management history. A growing number of stock-recruitment models show that for organisms with discrete larval and adult phases, spatial and temporal patterns of larval dispersal may be critical determinants of adult population dynamics. The principle aim of this project is to develop and utilize high resolution genetic markers to characterize temporal and spatial changes in the genetic composition of larval and adult populations of the Dungeness crab off the
coast of central and northern California. These data are the foundation for delineating management units, and developing sustainable harvest protocols. The first step to achieving these goals involves the development of hypervariable microsatellite markers. Over the last six months, we have successfully developed 12 such markers. We now plan to begin genetically screening juvenile and adult samples of the Dungeness crab. As this project continues, we will analyze crab larvae, and incorporate a temporal component into the sampling.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- GROSBERG, R. K., LEVITAN, D.R. and CAMERON, B.B. 1996. The evolutionary genetics of allorecognition in the colonial hydrozoan HYDRACTINIA SYMBIOLONGICARPUS. Evolution. IN PRESS.
- MCFADDEN, C.S. and GROSBERG, R.K. (an equal-authored paper). 1996. Genetic relationships within and between solitary and clonal forms of the sea anemone ANTHOPLEURA ELEGANITISSIMA revisited: Evidence for existence of two species. GROSBERG. R.K. and AYRE, D.J. 1996. Is there a relationship between multilocus homozygosity and dominance rank in sea anemones. American Naturalist.
- IN PRESS. GROSBERG, R. K., HART, M.W. and LEVITAN, D.R. 1996. Is allorecognition specificity in HYDRACTINIA SYMBIOLONGICARPUS controlled by a single gene. Genetics. IN PRESS.
- HELLBERG, M. 1996. Dependence of gene flow on geographic distance in two solitary corals with different dispersal capabilities. Evolution 50:1167-1175.
|
Progress 01/01/97 to 12/01/97
Outputs
Traditional approaches to predicting stock-recruitment relationships have repeatedly led to over-exploitation of commercially valuable fisheries throughout management history. A growing number of stock-recruitment models show that for organisms with discrete larval and adult phases, spatial and temporal patterns of larval dispersal may be critical determinants of adult population dynamics. The principle aim of this project is to develop and utilize high resolution genetic markers to characterize temporal and spatial changes in the genetic composition of larval and adult populations of the Dungeness crab off the coast of central and northern California. These data are the foundation for delineating management units, and developing sustainable harvest protocols. The first step to achieving these goals involves the development of hypervariable microsatellite markers. Over the last six months, we have successfully developed 12 such markers. We now plan to begin
genetically screening juvenile and adult samples of the Dungeness crab. As this project continues, we will analyze crab larvae, and incorporate a temporal component into the sampling. This will allow us to estimate effective population size and the susceptibility of subpopulations to stochastic extinction.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- GROSBERG, R. K., LEVITAN, D.R. and CAMERON, B.B. 1996. The evolutionary genetics of allorecognition in the colonial hydrozoan HYDRACTINIA SYMBIOLONGICARPUS. Evolution. IN PRESS.
- MCFADDEN, C.S. and GROSBERG, R.K. (an equal-authored paper). 1996. Genetic relationships within and between solitary and clonal forms of the sea anemone ANTHOPLEURA ELEGANITISSIMA revisited: Evidence for existence of two species. GROSBERG. R.K. and AYRE, D.J. 1996. Is there a relationship between multilocus homozygosity and dominance rank in sea anemones. American Naturalist.
- IN PRESS. GROSBERG, R. K., HART, M.W. and LEVITAN, D.R. 1996. Is allorecognition specificity in HYDRACTINIA SYMBIOLONGICARPUS controlled by a single gene. Genetics. IN PRESS.
- HELLBERG, M. 1996. Dependence of gene flow on geographic distance in two solitary corals with different dispersal capabilities. Evolution 50:1167-1175.
|
Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
The nature of plant and animal mating systems has important impacts on the potential for adaptation to spatially variable environments, the evolution of gene complexes, the expression of deleterious recessive alleles, and the resolution of conflict between close relatives. Many sessile marine invertebrates, like the majority of plants, have complex mating systems that are extremely difficult to decipher by direct observation. This project aims to characterize the mating systems and genetic structure of sessile invertebrates with contrasting life histories and dispersal potential, and to analyze whether gamete recognition and mate-choice influence the breeding system. We have recently used RAPD-PCR and microsatellite markers to characterize genetic structure and mating patterns in several species of marine invertebrates. Our recent studies on cnidarians show that populations are genetically well-mixed, and do not exhibit inbreeding. Controlled mating studies further
indicate that, gamete recognition systems play a minimal role in controlling inbreeding. Our studies of snail mating systems now confirm our behavioral observations that females cuckold males, and that males care for young that are not their own. We will continue to investigate this conflict between male and female snails, and expand our studies of cnidarian mating and gamete recognition systems.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- IN PRESS. GROSBERG, R. K., HART, M.W. and LEVITAN, D.R. 1996. Is allorecognition specificity in HYDRACTINIA SYMBIOLONGICARPUS controlled by a single gene. Genetics. IN PRESS.
- HELLBERG, M. 1996. Dependence of gene flow on geographic distance in two solitary corals with different dispersal capabilities. Evolution 50:1167-1175.
- GROSBERG, R. K., LEVITAN, D.R. and CAMERON, B.B. 1996. The evolutionary genetics of allorecognition in the colonial hydrozoan HYDRACTINIA SYMBIOLONGICARPUS. Evolution. IN PRESS.
- MCFADDEN, C.S. and GROSBERG, R.K. (an equal-authored paper). 1996. Genetic relationships within and between solitary and clonal forms of the sea anemone ANTHOPLEURA ELEGANITISSIMA revisited: Evidence for existence of two species. GROSBERG. R.K. and AYRE, D.J. 1996. Is there a relationship between multilocus homozygosity and dominance rank in sea anemones. American Naturalist.
|
Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
Many sessile marine invertebrates, like the majority of plants, are sessile hermaphrodites with complex mating systems. The nature of plant and animal mating systems has important impacts on the potential for adaptation to spatially variable environments, the evolution of gene complexes, the expression of deleterious recessive alleles, and the resolution of conflict between close relatives. However, the attributes of such matings systems are extremely difficult to decipher, because gametes and propagules are small and can disperse extensively. This research project aims to characterize the mating systems and genetic structure of sessile invertebrates with contrasting life histories and dispersal potential, and to analyze whether gamete recognition influences reduces inbreeding. To achieve these goals, we have developed highly polymorphic, nuclear genetic markers that could be readily assayed in large numbers of individuals. We found that traditionally used markers,
such as allozymes, in combination with RAPD and microsatellite markers, have the capacity to reveal genetic structure and mating patterns in unprecedented detail. Our preliminary data suggest that gamete recognition systems play a minimal role in controlling inbreeding in sessile cnidarians and ascidians, despite the fact that populations exhibit substantial genetic structure and potential for inbreeding.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- GROSBERG, R.K., LEVITAN, D.R., and CAMERON, B.B. 1996. Characterization of genetic structure and genealogies using RAPD-PCR markers: A random primer for the nervous and novice, pp. 67-100. IN J.D. Ferraris and S.R. Palumbi (Eds.),. AYRE, D. J. and R. K. GROSBERG (an equal-authored paper). 1996. Effects of social organization on interclonal dominance relationships in the sea anemone ANTHOLPEURA ELEGANTISSIMA. Animal Behaviour. IN PRESS.
- HELLBERG, M. 1995. Stepping-stone gene flow in the solitary coral BALANOPHYLLIA ELEGANS: equilibrium and nonequilibrium at different spatial scales. Marine Biology 123:573-581.
|
Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94
Outputs
Like the majority of flowering plants, many sessile marine invertebrates are hermaphrodites, and have complex mating systems. The nature of plant and animal mating systems has important impacts on the potential for adaptation to spatially variable environments, the evolution of gene complexes, the expression of deleterious recessive alleles, and the evolution of social behaviors. A major goal of this research project is to characterize the mating systems of two species of sessile invertebrates with different life history patterns. We are also analyzing whether gamete recognition systems influence the structure of mating systems in these two species. To achieve these goals, we first needed to develop highly polymorphic, nuclear genetic markers that could be readily assayed in large numbers of individuals. We found that traditionally used markers, such as allozymes, exhibited low levels of polymorphism. Therefore, over the last year, we have focused on developing
microsatellite markers. So far, we have identified four loci, each with numerous alleles, that can be easily assayed using PCR. The is discovery will now allow us to characterize the mating system in unparalleled detail, and will provide significant insights into how, or if, local adaptation evolves in sessile organisms with motile gametes and propagules.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- AYRE, D.J. and GROSBERG, R.K. 1995. Aggression, habituation, and clonal coexistence in the sea anemone ANTHOLPEURA ELEGANTISSIMA. American Naturalist "in-press".
- HELLBERG, M. 1995. Relationships between inferred levels of gene flow and geographic distance in a philopatric coral, BALANOPHYLLIA ELEGANS. Evolution "in-press".
- HELLBERG, M. 1995. Dependence of gene flow on geographic distance in two solitary corals with different dispersal abilities. Evolution "In Press".
|
Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93
Outputs
The principal goals of this project are (1) to develop molecular genetic techniques that would allow the precise measurement of gender-specific reproductive success; (2) use these markers to characterize population structure from the biogeographic level (thousands of kilometers) to the kin group (tens of centimeters); (3) to determine the relative fertilization success of males in conspecific aggregations; (4) to relate fertilization success to the demographic attributes of individual males, and (5) to establish how fertilization success bears on lifetime reproductive success of both males and females in natural populations of a hermaphroditic colonial ascidian (BOTRYLLUS SCHLOSSERI). We have used PCR-RAPD markers to show the following: 1) genetic distances between colonies correlate strongly with geographic distance; 2) paternity analysis of brooded larvae shows that a combination of male size, reproductive effort, and proximity to gravid colonies all play roughly
equal roles in determining patterns of fertilization success; and 3) fertilization success can be a poor predictor of fitness because few larvae ever recruit back into the system (this key result cautions against using correlates of reproductive success as true indicators of fitness). With this basic information in hand, we plan to develop a new set of genetic markers using microsatellite loci to help us more precisely resolve gender-specific patterns of reproductive success.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- LEVITAN, D.R. and GROSBERG, R.K. 1993 The analysis of paternity and maternity in the marine hydrozoan HYDRACTINIA using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Mol Ecol 2:315-328.
- LEVITAN, D.R. 1993 The importance of sperm limitation to the evolution of egg size in marine invertebrates. Am Nat 141:517-536.
- HELLBERG, M. 1994 Relationships between inferred levels of gene flow and geographic distance in a philopatric coral, BALANOPHYLLIA ELEGANS. Evolution "In Press".
|
Progress 10/01/92 to 12/30/92
Outputs
The major focus of this project is to examine the relationship between gender-specific reproductive allocation and fitness in hermaphroditic organisms. To this end, we have begun to develop the genetic markers that will allow us to measure differences in reproductive output among individuals within natural populations. We are now using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify randomly primed regions of polymorphic target DNA (RAPD) in the colonial sea squirt BOTRYLLUS SCHLOSSERI. During the period covered by this progress report, we have developed methods to extract high molecular weight DNA from BOTRYLLUS and to use random primers to amplify this DNA. So far, we have been successful on both counts, and we now plan to extend our analysis to larger sample sizes.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period.
|
|