Differential tolerance to copper, but no evidence of population-level genetic differences in a widely-dispersing native barnacle.

摘要: Despite many estuaries having high levels of metal pollution, species are found to persist in these stressful environments. Populations estuarine invertebrates exposed toxic concentrations such metals may be under selection. However, with a wide-dispersal potential, any short-term results localized selection counteracted by external recruitment from populations not The barnacle Amphibalanus variegatus is nearshore coastal environments as well sheltered embayments and estuaries, including metal-impacted New South Wales, Australia Western Australia. fertilised eggs A. brooded internally released larvae (nauplii), which remain the water-column for ~14 days before settling. Hence has considerable dispersal capacity. purpose this study was examine whether sites, displayed greater tolerance toxicant (copper) than reference populations. Adult barnacles where collected twenty sites within two fourteen estuaries. Within 24 h, adults were induced spawn offspring copper laboratory assay. Larvae demonstrated compared those sites. To determine if selection/localised impacted occurring, genetic structure at three examined using an AFLP methodology. No evidence unique population identity or (outlier loci) detected suggesting that: (1) assay derived acclimation during development; and/or (2) that open preventing fixation alleles.