Asexual reproduction in bad times? The case of Cladocora caespitosa in the eastern Mediterranean Sea

摘要: We analysed the patterns of genetic variability eastern Mediterranean populations scleractinian coral Cladocora caespitosa, from Aegean and Levantine seas, using 19 polymorphic microsatellite loci, 11 which were newly characterized. The observed pattern reflects a scenario isolation by environment: FST comparisons showed higher degree differentiation between two Cypriot that are separated only 11 km than these population in Greece, 1300 km. hypothesize local-scale oceanographic factors influenced dispersal planulae geographically close populations, playing crucial role structure this coastal coral. Yet, despite being characterized as species with limited high self-recruitment, large-scale migration does eventually occur first-generation migrants identified most distant populations. In line previous findings reproductive plasticity C. we also found localized differences reproduction mode (sexual vs. asexual) within context. Several individuals clones, indicating predominance asexual one interpret either direct response to or an indirect consequence perturbations suffered caespitosa population. These caused unfavourable environmental conditions threatened local survival, particular water temperature changes windstorm swells. Asexual may be mechanism used counteract mortality events recolonize devastated areas, likely accounts for occasional levels clonality low diversity. Local adaptations such should therefore considered conservation management strategies maintain preserve gene pool endangered species.