Cryptic speciation along a bathymetric gradient

摘要: The deep ocean supports a highly diverse and mostly endemic fauna, yet little is known about how or where new species form in this remote ecosystem. How speciation occurs especially intriguing the sea because few obvious barriers exist that would disrupt gene flow. Geographic bathymetric patterns of genetic variation can provide key insights into form. We quantified population structure protobranch bivalve, Neilonella salicensis, along depth gradient (2200‐3800 m) western North Atlantic using both nuclear (28S calmodulin intron) mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) loci. A sharp break occurred for each locus between populations above 2800 m below 3200 m, defining two distinct clades with no haplotypes shared regimes. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses provided strong support clades, separated by depth, within N. salicensis. Although morphological divergence was apparent, we suggest depth-related indicative cryptic species. frequent occurrence various stages associated formation gradients suggests environmental attend changes probably play fundamental role diversification marine organisms, water. © 2014 Linnean Society London, Biological Journal Society, 2014, ••, ••‐••.