Species-specific patterns of population genetic structure differ on a microgeographic scale

Abstract

Coral exhibits substantial variation in pelagic larval duration, dispersal range, and population connectivity. In this study, we used reduced representation genotyping to compare the genetic structure of Caribbean reef-building species along the southeastern Dominican Republic coastline to assess connectivity within the likely dispersal kernel. Despite relatively small geographic distance between reefs, species-specific differences in genetic structure were observed. The broadcasting coral Orbicella faveolata had high levels of genetic connectivity. Between the two brooding species, Agaricia agaricites showed strong genetic subdivision, while Porites astreoides exhibited high levels of gene flow . These results suggest that multiple factors outside of life history characteristics influence genetic differentiation among populations, with species-level variability underscoring the importance of restoration and management strategies tailored to individual species, considering regional genetic and environmental variability.

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