Relatedness affects the density, distribution and phenotype of colonisers in four sessile marine invertebrates

摘要: Genetic diversity has emerged as an important source of variation in the ecological properties populations, but there are few studies genetic effects on colonisation processes. This relative scarcity is surprising given influence species coexistence, invasion, and population persistence. Here, we manipulated relatedness experimental populations colonising larvae four sessile marine invertebrates. We then examined coloniser number, spatial arrangement phenotype colonisers following permanent settlement. Overall, influenced all species, differed among species. The variable responses to manipulations likely reflect differences intensity inter- intra-specific competition adults, well differential consequences larval behaviours for each Relatedness appears play underappreciated role process, recommend that future consider not only adult stages – focus most work date also importance early life history stages.