Intra- and interclonal phenotypic and genetic variability of the trematode Maritrema novaezealandensis

摘要: Explaining the origin and maintenance of phenotypic variation remains a central challenge in evolutionary biology. Using trematode parasite Maritrema novaezealandensis, we examined variability several morphological, behavioural, physiological traits at same time as controlling for genotype by using genetically identical clonal lineages. We measured morphological traits, photoreactive responses, survivorship to quantify amount within among 42 lines. Additionally, tested Lerner’s hypothesis that homozygotes are more variable than heterozygotes assessed correlations between heterozygosity clones. found substantial differences clones morphology, behaviour, survivorship, yet no significant levels intraclonal were seen. Although results demonstrate conspecific have significantly different variability, consistent over not always apparent. Finally, correlation was pattern highly homozygotes, observed Lerner, evident present study. © 2011 The Linnean Society London, Biological Journal Society, 2011, 103, 106–116.