Mixed asexual and sexual reproduction in the Indo‐Pacific reef coral Pocillopora damicornis. Issue 10 (22nd August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Combosch, David J.; Vollmer, Steven V.
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 3:Issue 10(2013:Oct.)
• Page Start: 3379
• Page End: 3387
• Publication Date: 2013-08-22
• Subjects: Evolutionary significance -- minimal cryptic sex -- mixed reproduction -- parthenogenesis -- pseudogamy; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.721
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Pocillopora damicornis is one of the best studied reef‐building corals, yet it's somewhat unique reproductive strategy remains poorly understood. Genetic studies indicate that P. damicornis larvae are produced almost exclusively parthenogenetically, and yet population genetic surveys suggest frequent sexual reproduction. Using microsatellite data from over 580 larvae from 13 colonies, we demonstrate that P. damicornis displays a mixed reproductive strategy where sexual and asexual larvae are produced simultaneously within the same colony. The majority of larvae were parthenogenetic (94%), but most colonies (10 of the 13) produced a subset of their larvae sexually. Logistic regression indicates that the proportion of sexual larvae varied significantly with colony size, cycle day, and calendar day. In particular, the decrease in sexual larvae with colony size suggests that the mixed reproductive strategy changes across the life of the coral. This unique shift in reproductive strategy leads to increasingly asexual replications of successful genotypes, which (in contrast to exclusive parthenogens) have already contributed to the recombinant gene pool. Abstract : This study provides the first detailed genetic analyses of the unusual, simultaneously mixed reproductive strategy in the important reef‐building coral Pocillopora damicornis . The proportion of sexual larvae varied with colony size, reproductive cycle day and general calendar day. In particular, the decrease in the production of sexually produced larvae with increasing colony size, suggests that the mixed reproductive strategy changes across the life of the coral, which has important ecological and evolutionary consequences.