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Water structure and aqueous uranyl(VI) adsorption equilibria onto external surfaces of beidellite, montmorillonite, and pyrophyllite: results from molecular simulations.

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to provide a systematic study of aqueous uranyl adsorption onto the external surface of 2:1 dioctahedral clays. Our understanding of this key process is critical in predicting the fate of radioactive contaminants in natural groundwaters. These simulations provide atomistic detail to help explain experimental trends in uranyl adsorption onto natural media containing smectite clays. Aqueous uranyl concentrations ranged from 0.027 to 0.162 M. Sodium ions and carbonate ions (0.027-0.243 M) were also present in the aqueous regions to more faithfully model a stream of uranyl-containing groundwater contacting a mineral system comprised of Na-smectite. No adsorption occurred near the pyrophyllite surface, and there was little difference in uranyl adsorption onto the beidellite and montmorillonite, despite the difference in location of clay layer charge between the two. At low uranyl concentration, the pentaaquouranyl complex dominates in solution and readily adsorbs to the clay basal plane. At higher uranyl (and carbonate) concentrations, the mono(carbonato) complex forms in solution, and uranyl adsorption decreases. Sodium adsorption onto beidellite occurred both as inner- and outer-sphere surface complexes, again with little effect on uranyl adsorption. Uranyl surface complexes consisted primarily of the pentaaquo cation (85%) and to a lesser extent the mono(carbonato) species (15%). Speciation diagrams of the aqueous region indicate that the mono(carbonato)uranyl complex is abundant at high ionic strength. Oligomeric uranyl complexes are observed at high ionic strength, particularly near the pyrophyllite and montmorillonite surfaces. Atomic density profiles of water oxygen and hydrogen atoms are nearly identical near the beidellite and montmorillonite surfaces. Water structure therefore appears to be governed by the presence of adsorbed ions and not by the location of layer charge associated with the substrate. The water oxygen density near the pyrophyllite surface is similar to the other cases, but the hydrogen density profile indicates reduced hydrogen bonding between adsorbed water molecules and the surface.

Adsorption↗

Epigenetic inheritance, genetic assimilation and speciation.

Epigenetic inheritance systems enable the environmentally induced phenotypes to be transmitted between generations. Jablonka and Lamb (1991, 1995) proposed that these systems have a substantial role during speciation. They argued that divergence of isolated populations may be first triggered by the accumulation of (heritable) phenotypic differences that are later followed and strengthened by genetic changes. The plausibility of this idea is examined in this paper. At first, we discuss the "exploratory" behaviour of an epigenetic inheritance system on a one peak adaptive landscape. If a quantitative trait is far from the optimum, then it is advantageous to induce heritable phenotypic variation. Conversely, if the genotypes get closer to the peak, it is more favorable to canalize the phenotypic expression of the character. This process would lead to genetic assimilation. Next we show that the divergence of heritable epigenetic marks acts to reduce or to eliminate the genetic barrier between two adaptive peaks. Therefore, an epigenetic inheritance system can increase the probability of transition from one adaptive state to another. Peak shift might be initiated by (i) slight changes in the inducing environment or by (ii) genetic drift of the genes controlling epigenetic variability. Remarkably, drift-induced transition is facilitated even if phenotypic variation is not heritable. A corollary of our thesis is that evolution can proceed through suboptimal phenotypic states, without passing through a deep adaptive valley of the genotype. We also consider the consequences of this finding on the dynamics and mode of reproductive isolation.

Animals↗

Mercury speciation and microbial transformations in mine wastes, stream sediments, and surface waters at the Almadén Mining District, Spain.

Speciation of Hg and conversion to methyl-Hg were evaluated in mine wastes, sediments, and water collected from the Almadén District, Spain, the world's largest Hg producing region. Our data for methyl-Hg, a neurotoxin hazardous to humans, are the first reported for sediment and water from the Almadén area. Concentrations of Hg and methyl-Hg in mine waste, sediment, and water from Almadén are among the highestfound at Hg mines worldwide. Mine wastes from Almadén contain highly elevated Hg concentrations, ranging from 160 to 34,000 microg/g, and methyl-Hg varies from <0.20 to 3100 ng/g. Isotopic tracer methods indicate that mine wastes at one site (Almadenejos) exhibit unusually high rates of Hg-methylation, which correspond with mine wastes containing the highest methyl-Hg concentrations. Streamwater collected near the Almadén mine is also contaminated, containing Hg as high as 13,000 ng/L and methyl-Hg as high as 30 ng/L; corresponding stream sediments contain Hg concentrations as high as 2300 microg/g and methyl-Hg concentrations as high as 82 ng/g. Several streamwaters contain Hg concentrations in excess of the 1000 ng/L World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standard. Methyl-Hg formation and degradation was rapid in mines wastes and stream sediments demonstrating the dynamic nature of Hg cycling. These data indicate substantial downstream transport of Hg from the Almadén mine and significant conversion to methyl-Hg in the surface environment.

Geologic Sediments↗

Emission strength validation using four-dimensional data assimilation: application to primary aerosol and precursors to ozone and secondary aerosol.

Three-dimensional air quality models (AQMs) represent the most powerful tool to follow the dynamics of air pollutants at urban and regional scales. Current AQMs can account for the complex interactions between gas-phase chemistry, aerosol growth, cloud and scavenging processes, and transport. However, errors in model applications still exist due in part to limitations in the models themselves and in part to uncertainties in model inputs. Four-dimensional data assimilation (FDDA) can be used as a top-down tool to validate several of the model inputs, including emissions inventories, based on ambient measurements. Previously, this FDDA technique was used to estimate adjustments in the strength and composition of emissions of gas-phase primary species and O3 precursors. In this paper, we present an extension to the FDDA technique to incorporate the analysis of particulate matter (PM) and its precursors. The FDDA approach consists of an iterative optimization procedure in which an AQM is coupled to an inverse model, and adjusting the emissions minimizes the difference between ambient measurements and model-derived concentrations. Here, the FDDA technique was applied to two episodes, with the modeling domain covering the eastern United States, to derive emission adjustments of domainwide sources of NO., volatile organic compounds (VOCs), CO, SO2, NH3, and fine organic aerosol emissions. Ambient measurements used include gas-phase inorganic and organic species and speciated fine PM. Results for the base-case inventories used here indicate that emissions of SO2 and CO appear to be estimated reasonably well (requiring minor revisions), while emissions of NOx, VOC, NH3, and organic PM with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 microm (PM2.5) require more significant revision.

Aerosols↗

Determination of chromium speciation in natural systems using DGT.

The techniques of diffusive gradients (DGT) and equilibration (DET) in thin-films have been combined in a single probe that can determine Cr(III) and Cr(VI) simultaneously in solution. The assembly has a layer of polyacrylamide hydrogel overlying a separate layer of resin embedded in gel. Cr(III) species accumulate exclusively and quantitatively in the resin layer, while Cr(VI) species equilibrate with both hydrogel and resin layers. The species are separated by peeling the two layers apart. Chromium is then eluted from each of the two layers. Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were determined quantitatively in standard, mixed solutions by in situ separation with DGT and detection by GF-AAS. With this method, Cr(III) is typically preconcentrated by a factor of 10 over a 24 h deployment, and limits of detection of 8 ng/L Cr(III) and 0.3 micro g/L Cr(VI) were achieved. Due to the inbuilt preconcentration of Cr(III), the technique is particularly good at measuring low concentrations of Cr(III) in the presence of an excess of Cr(VI). Measurements were performed in three soils with various levels of chromium contamination. A concentration of 3 micro g/L of labile Cr(III) was measured reproducibly in the presence of 290 micro g/L of unreactive Cr species and 0.2 micro g/L of labile Cr(III) was measured in the presence of 24 micro g/L of unreactive Cr. The unique feature of the method is that the separation of Cr(III) from Cr(VI) occurs in situ. The Cr species are then stable in the resin and gel prior to analysis, eliminating the artefacts associated with sampling and storage, which are particularly prevalent for redox-sensitive elements. Therefore, it has great potential for assessing Cr(III) and Cr(VI) concentrations in situ in environments near redox boundaries where possible dynamic changes in Cr(III) and Cr(VI) concentrations are occurring.

Journal Article↗

Nested cladistic analysis, phylogeography and speciation in the Timarcha goettingensis complex (Coleoptera, chrysomelidae).

The Timarcha goettingensis complex is a monophyletic assemblage of closely related leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae), distributed from the north half of the Iberian Peninsula to Central Europe. Oligophagy, mountainous habitat and apterism are factors which are assumed to promote speciation in these beetles. We have used cytochrome oxidase subunit II mitochondrial DNA genealogies obtained from 31 sampling localities and a nested geographical distance analysis to assess the population structure and demographic factors explaining the geographical distributions of the mtDNA haplotypes in the T. goettingensis complex. The results show that there is a significant association between genetic structuring and geography. Inferences about the historical population processes in the species complex are discussed, being in general in accordance with contiguous range expansions and past fragmentations. The use of the cohesion species concept approach suggests the existence of several systematic ranks among the different T. goettingensis populations, which is in part supported by ecological traits such as trophic selection and altitudinal distribution.

Animals↗

Refugial isolation and secondary contact in the dyeing poison frog Dendrobates tinctorius.

Recent palaeoclimactic research suggests that fluctuating environmental conditions throughout the Pleistocene of Amazonia occurred with previously unrecognized frequency. This has resulted in a theoretical shift from glacially influenced fluctuations to those driven by precessional rhythms. This theoretical revolution has a profound impact on expectations of biotic diversity within biogeographical regions that have long been based on the idea of large-scale landscape fragmentation associated with increased aridity and glacial cycles. Generally speaking, this shifts phylogeographical expectations from that of (i) large areas of sympatry of closely related (but not sister) species whose origins lie in separate refugia, and current distributions are the results of cyclic connectivity of those two refugia (refuge hypothesis), to that of (ii) fine scale genetic structure, often associated with elevation, and divergence well below expected speciation levels [disturbance-vicariance (DV) hypothesis]. To date there have been few tests of the expectations of the DV hypothesis based on empirical studies of Neotropical floral and faunal communities. Herein we examine phylogeographical structure of Dendrobates tinctorius, an amphibian species endemic to the uplands of the eastern Guiana Shield, based on sampling of 114 individuals from 24 localities. Phylogenetic, nested clade, and dispersal-vicariance (DIVA) analyses of cytochrome b sequence data reveal the presence of two mitochondrial lineages that are associated with previously identified western and eastern uplands of this area. The geographical distribution of mitochondrial haplotypes and the results of DIVA and coalescent analyses suggest that there has been extensive secondary contact between these lineages indicating a complex history of connectivity between these western and eastern highlands, supporting the predictions of the DV hypothesis.

Animals↗

Mobility, bioavailability, and toxic effects of cadmium in soil samples.

Total concentration is not a reliable indicator of metal mobility or bioavailability in soils. The physicochemical form determines the behavior of metals in soils and hence the toxicity toward terrestrial biota. The main objectives of this study were the application and comparison of three approaches for the evaluation of cadmium behavior in soil samples. The mobility and bioavailability of cadmium in five selected soil samples were evaluated using equilibrium speciation (Windermere humic aqueous model (WHAM)), extraction procedures (Milli-Q water, DMSO, and DTPA), and a number of bioassays (Microtox, growth inhibition test, contact toxicity test, and respiration). The mobility, represented by the water-extractable fraction, corresponded well with the amount of cadmium in the soil solution, calculated using the WHAM (r(2)=0.96, P<0.001). The results of the ecotoxicological evaluation, which represent the bioavailable fraction of cadmium, correlated well with DTPA extractability and also with the concentration of free cadmium ion, which is recognized as the most bioavailable metal form. The results of the WHAM as well as the results of extraction experiments showed a strong binding of cadmium to organic matter and a weak sorption of cadmium to clay minerals.

Adsorption↗

Patterns of hybridization and population genetic structure in the terrestrial orchids Liparis kumokiri and Liparis makinoana (Orchidaceae) in sympatric populations.

We investigated the potential for gene flow and genetic assimilation via hybridization between common and rare species of the terrestrial orchid genus Liparis, focusing specifically on sympatric and allopatric populations of the common Liparis kumokiri and the rare Liparis makinoana. We utilized analyses of genetic diversity, morphology, and the spatial distributions of individuals and genotypes to quantify the dynamics of interspecific gene flow at within- and among-population scales. High levels of allozyme genetic diversity (HE) were found in populations of the rare L. makinoana (0.317), whereas the common L. kumokiri (N = 1744 from 14 populations) revealed a complete lack of variation. This contrast may reflect different breeding systems and associated rates of genetic drift (L. makinoana is self-incompatible, whereas L. kumokiri is self-compatible). At the two known sympatric sites, individuals were found that recombined parental phenotypes, possessing floral characteristics of L. kumokiri and vegetative characteristics of L. makinoana. These putative hybrids were the only individuals found segregating alleles diagnostic of both parental species. Analysis of these individuals indicated that hybrid genotypes were skewed towards L. kumokiri and later generation recombinants of L. kumokiri at both sympatric sites. Furthermore, Ripley's bivariate L(r) statistics revealed that at one site these hybrids are strongly spatially clustered with L. kumokiri. Nonetheless, the relatively low frequency of hybrids, absence of ongoing hybridization (no F1s or first generation backcrossess), and strong genetic differentiation between morphologically 'pure' parental populations at sympatric sites (FST = 0.708-0.816) indicates that hybridization was not an important bridge for gene flow. The results from these two species suggest that natural hybridization has not played an important role in the diversification of Liparis, but instead support the view that genetic drift and limited gene flow are primarily responsible for speciation in Liparis. Based on genetic data and current status of the species, implications of the research for conservation are considered to provide guidelines for appropriate conservation and management strategies.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗

Networks in phylogenetic analysis: new tools for population biology.

Phylogenetic analysis has changed greatly in the past decade, including the more widespread appreciation of the idea that evolutionary histories are not always tree-like, and may, thus, be best represented as reticulated networks rather than as strictly dichotomous trees. Reconstructing such histories in the absence of a bifurcating speciation process is even more difficult than the usual procedure, and a range of alternative strategies have been developed. There seem to be two basic uses for a network model of evolution: the display of real but unobservable evolutionary events (i.e. a hypothesis of the true phylogenetic history), and the display of character conflict within the data itself (i.e. a summary of the data). These two general approaches are briefly reviewed here, and the strengths and weaknesses of the different implementations are compared and contrasted. Each network methodology seems to have limitations in terms of how it responds to increasing complexity (e.g. conflict) in the data, and therefore each is likely to be more appropriate for one of the two uses than for the other. Several examples using parasitological data sets illustrate the uses of networks within the context of population biology.

Algorithms↗

Learning and colonization of new niches: a first step toward speciation.

Learning processes potentially play a role in speciation but are often ignored in speciation models. Learning may, for instance, play a role when a new niche is being colonized, because the learning of niche features may cause niche-specific assortative mating and a tendency to produce young in this niche. Several animal species learn about their environmental features that may be important in finding or attracting mates. We use a gene-culture coevolutionary model to look into the effect of such learning on the colonization of new niches and on the genetic divergence between groups using different niches, which are steps necessary in achieving speciation. We assume that density is regulated separately in each of the two niches and that the viability of an individual depends on its genotype as well as on which niche it exploits. Our results show that genetic adaptation to the new niche is enhanced by a high female fecundity and a low viability selection against heterozygotes. Furthermore, when initial colonization (without genetic adaptation) fails, genetic divergence is more difficult when the mating preference is stronger. In contrast, when colonization without genetic adaptation is successful, a stronger mating preference makes genetic divergence easier. An increase in the number of egg-laying mistakes by females can have a positive or negative effect on the success of genetic adaptation depending on other parameters. We show that genetic divergence can be prevented by a niche shift, which can occur only if viabilities in the two niches are asymmetrical.

Adaptation, Biological↗

Historical colonization and demography of the Mediterranean damselfish, Chromis chromis.

The desiccation of the Mediterranean Sea during the Messinian Salinity Crisis 6.0-5.3 million years ago (Ma), caused a major extinction of the marine ichthyofauna of the Mediterranean. This was followed by an abrupt replenishment of the Mediterranean from the Atlantic after the opening of the Strait of Gibraltar. In this study, we combined demographic and phylogeographic approaches using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers to test the alternative hypotheses of where (Atlantic or Mediterranean) and when (before or after the Messinian Salinity Crisis) speciation occurred in the Mediterranean damselfish, Chromis chromis. The closely related geminate transisthmian pair Chromis multilineata and Chromis atrilobata was used as a way of obtaining an internally calibrated molecular clock. We estimated C. chromis speciation timing both by determining the time of divergence between C. chromis and its Atlantic sister species Chromis limbata (0.93-3.26 Ma depending on the molecular marker used, e.g. 1.23-1.39 Ma for the control region), and by determining the time of coalescence for C. chromis based on mitochondrial control region sequences (0.14-0.21 Ma). The time of speciation of C. chromis was always posterior to the replenishment of the Mediterranean basin, after the Messinian Salinity Crisis. Within the Mediterranean, C. chromis population structure and demographic characteristics revealed a genetic break at the Peloponnese, Greece, with directional and eastbound gene flow between western and eastern groups. The eastern group was found to be more recent and with a faster growing population (coalescent time = 0.09-0.13 Ma, growth = 485.3) than the western group (coalescent time = 0.13-0.20 Ma, growth = 325.6). Our data thus suggested a western origin of C. chromis, most likely within the Mediterranean. Low sea water levels during the glacial periods, the hydrographic regime of the Mediterranean and dispersal restriction during the short pelagic larval phase of C. chromis (18-19 days) have probably played an important role in C. chromis historical colonization.

Animals↗

Local adaptation, patterns of selection, and gene flow in the Californian serpentine sunflower (Helianthus exilis).

The traditional view of the species as the fundamental unit of evolution has been challenged by observations that in heterogeneous environments, gene flow may be too restricted to overcome the effects of local selection. Whether a species evolves as a cohesive unit depends critically on the dynamic balance between homogenizing gene flow among populations and potentially disruptive local adaptation. To examine this evolutionary balance between "global" gene flow and local selection, we studied northern Californian populations of Helianthus exilis, the serpentine sunflower, within a mosaic of contrasting serpentine and nonserpentine areas that differ considerably in soil chemistry and water availability. Local adaptation to riparian and serpentine habitats was studied in Helianthus exilis along with an analysis of gene flow patterns among populations within these habitats. Local adaptation was assessed in H. exilis during 2002 and 2003 using reciprocal transplant experiments at multiple locations within serpentine and riparian habitats. Effects of competition and germination date on the expression of local adaptation were also examined within the reciprocal transplant experiments. Local adaptation was detected in both years at the local site level and at the level of habitat. The analysis of the transplanted populations indicated that the patterns of selection differed considerably between riparian and serpentine sites. Differential survivorship occurred in serpentine habitats, whereas selection on reproductive output predominated in riparian habitats. Local adaptation was expressed only in the absence of competition. Local adaptation in terms of survivorship was most strongly expressed in treatments with delayed seed germination. Microsatellite markers were used to quantify population genetic parameters and examine the patterns of gene flow among sampled populations. Analysis of molecular markers revealed a system of population patches that freely exchange genes with each other. Strong selection seems to maintain ecotypic variation within this endemic sunflower species, while extensive gene flow among populations prevents local speciation between serpentine and riparian ecotypes.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Speciation in progress? A continuum of reproductive isolation in Drosophila bipectinata.

Incipient species in the early stages of divergence can provide crucial information about the genetic basis of reproductive isolation and the evolutionary forces that promote speciation. In this report, we describe two subspecies of Drosophila bipectinata that show a continuum of reproductive isolation. Crosses between strains of the same subspecies produce fully fertile offspring. At the same time, each subspecies harbors extensive variation for the degree of reproductive isolation from the other subspecies. The percentage of fertile hybrid males varies from 0 to 90%, depending on the origin of parental strains, indicating that the genes responsible for hybrid sterility are not fixed within either subspecies, or even within local populations. Reproductive isolation is non-transitive, so that the extent of hybrid sterility depends on the particular combination of strains. The two subspecies show little or no evidence of genetic differentiation at three nuclear loci, suggesting that they diverged very recently or continue to experience significant levels of gene flow. A hybrid zone between the two subspecies may exist in New Guinea and Northeastern Australia.

Animals↗

Speciation and phylogeography of Hawaiian terrestrial arthropods.

The Hawaiian archipelago is arguably the world's finest natural laboratory for the study of evolution and patterns of speciation. Arthropods comprise over 75% of the endemic biota of the Hawaiian Islands and a large proportion belongs to species radiations. We classify patterns of speciation within Hawaiian arthropod lineages into three categories: (i) single representatives of a lineage throughout the islands; (ii) species radiations with either (a) single endemic species on different volcanoes or islands, or (b) multiple species on each volcano or island; and (iii) single widespread species within a radiation of species that exhibits local endemism. A common pattern of phylogeography is that of repeated colonization of new island groups, such that lineages progress down the island chain, with the most ancestral groups (populations or species) on the oldest islands. While great dispersal ability and its subsequent loss are features of many of these taxa, there are a number of mechanisms that underlie diversification. These mechanisms may be genetic, including repeated founder events, hybridization, and sexual selection, or ecological, including shifts in habitat and/or host affiliation. The majority of studies reviewed suggest that natural selection is a primary force of change during the initial diversification of taxa.

Animals↗

Stability of forest biodiversity.

Two hypotheses to explain potentially high forest biodiversity have different implications for the number and kinds of species that can coexist and the potential loss of biodiversity in the absence of speciation. The first hypothesis involves stabilizing mechanisms, which include tradeoffs between species in terms of their capacities to disperse to sites where competition is weak, to exploit abundant resources effectively and to compete for scarce resources. Stabilization results because competitors thrive at different times and places. An alternative, 'neutral model' suggests that stabilizing mechanisms may be superfluous. This explanation emphasizes 'equalizing' mechanisms, because competitive exclusion of similar species is slow. Lack of ecologically relevant differences means that abundances experience random 'neutral drift', with slow extinction. The relative importance of these two mechanisms is unknown, because assumptions and predictions involve broad temporal and spatial scales. Here we demonstrate that predictions of neutral drift are testable using palaeodata. The results demonstrate strong stabilizing forces. By contrast with the neutral prediction of increasing variance among sites over time, we show that variances in post-Glacial tree abundances among sites stabilize rapidly, and abundances remain coherent over broad geographical scales.

Computer Simulation↗

Germanium-68 as a tracer for silicon fluxes in freshwater sediment.

The sorption of Si may decisively influence the P dynamics in surface sediment through competitive ligand exchange mechanisms. Many aspects of the process, such as the impact of Si dissolving from diatoms, are both insufficiently known and difficult to monitor by quantitative analyses due to the ubiquitousness of Si in sediment. Since the radioactive isotopes of Si have impractical half-times, the applicability of 68Ge as a tracer for Si additions in both inorganic and biogenic form to freshwater sediment (Lake Vesijärvi, Southern Finland) was studied in a 24-h laboratory experiment. The 68Ge-label was added to the sediment with either inorganic Si (940mg l(-1)) or diatoms (3.2 x 10(6) cellsl(-1)), and the distributions of the 68Ge-label and the different forms of added Si between the interstitial water and sequentially extracted, solid-phase sediment pools were critically examined. The inorganic Si addition significantly increased the amount of Si in the interstitial water and in the reversibly bound fraction, while the diatom addition had no discernible effects. The relative distribution of Si and 68Ge between the various sediment pools indicated that the first sorption phase of the added inorganic Si was similar to that reported for P. The high concentration of diatom-derived 68Ge-labelled Si in the interstitial water and in the easily soluble, reversibly bound pool indicated rapid dissolution of the added diatoms. The comparable distributions of the diatom-derived and inorganic Si-derived 68Ge-label within the studied pools indicated that the sorption of Si dissolving from diatoms in surface sediment closely resembles that of an inorganic addition of Si. Caution about the chemical speciation of the 68Ge-label is, however, advisable in sediment environments. Fractionation procedures designed for e.g. P may also be of limited use when applied to a different element, such as Si.

Adsorption↗

Barriers to gene flow in Embiotoca jacksoni, a marine fish lacking a pelagic larval stage.

Marine species generally show high dispersal capabilities, which should be accompanied by high levels of gene flow and low speciation rates. However, studies that focused on the relationship between dispersal and gene flow in marine fishes have been inconclusive. This study focuses on the black surfperch, Embiotoca jacksoni, a temperate reef fish that lacks a pelagic larval stage and lives on almost continuous reefs along the California and Baja California coasts. Mitochondrial control-region sequences from 240 individuals were obtained, and phylogeographic patterns were analyzed. A major phylogeographic break was found at Santa Monica Bay, a sandy expanse that prevents adult dispersal. Deep water separating the southern California Channel Islands was also found to be a major barrier to gene flow. Minor phylogeographic breaks were also detected in the Big Sur/Morro Bay and in the Punta Eugenia/Guerrero Negro regions, but none in the Point Conception region. Gene flow levels in E. jacksoni were found to be almost identical to those of another species with limited dispersal, Acanthochromis polyacanthus, thus indicating that the lack of a pelagic larval stage combined with barriers to adult dispersal may have had similar effects on these two species.

Animals↗