Light-dependent genetic and phenotypic differences in the squat lobster Munida tenuimana (Crustacea: Decapoda) along deep continental margins

摘要: Abstract The levels of environmental light experienced by organisms during the behavioral activity phase deeply influence performance important ecological tasks. As a result, their shape and coloring may experience light-driven selection process via day-night rhythmic behavior. In this study, we tested phenotypic genetic variability western Mediterranean squat lobster (Munida tenuimana). We sampled at depths with different photic conditions potentially, burrow emergence rhythms. performed hauling depths, above below twilight zone end (i.e., 700 m, 1200 m, 1350 m, 1500 m), to portray occurrence any rhythmicity. Collected animals were screened for size (by geometric morphometry), spectrum color variation photometric analysis), as well sequence mitochondrial DNA gene encoding NADH dehydrogenase subunit I. found that weak structuring homogeneity occurred together significant variations in size, smaller individuals living inferior limit larger below. infra-red wavelengths spectral reflectance varied significantly depth while blue–green ones size-dependent expressed animals, which has very small reflectance. effects solar bioluminescence lighting are discussed depth-dependent evolutionary forces likely influencing rhythms M. tenuimana.