Geographic distance shapes morphological and molecular disparities in a common diatom species as revealed by geometric morphometry and metabarcoding

[EN]Diatoms, a highly diverse group, are sensitive indicators of aquatic environmental conditions, yet doubts persist regarding species distribution and distance-based factors influencing their populations. This study explores the relationship between geographical distance and the morphological and...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Borrego Ramos, María, Bécares Mantecón, Eloy, Blanco Lanza, Saúl
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad de León
Repositorio:BULERIA. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de León
OAI Identifier:oai:buleria.unileon.es:10612/23986
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10612/23986
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Ecología. Medio ambiente
RbcL marker
Shallow ponds
Ecological processes
2417.13 Ecología Vegetal
Descripción
Sumario:[EN]Diatoms, a highly diverse group, are sensitive indicators of aquatic environmental conditions, yet doubts persist regarding species distribution and distance-based factors influencing their populations. This study explores the relationship between geographical distance and the morphological and genetic differences among Achnanthidium minutissimum populations in freshwater ecosystems. Cell outlines were objectively captured by means of geometric morphometry, whereas rbcL marker was used for molecular approach. Our results indicate that the geographical factors significantly influence the morphological and molecular disparities among populations. Despite the absence of evident physical barriers, persistent spatial distance contributes to the observed differentiation among diatom populations. This emphasizes the crucial role of geographical isolation in shaping genetic divergence and morphological disparities, highlighting the need to consider spatial factors in understanding diatom diversity and distribution. Additionally, the study emphasizes the significance of molecular tools in revealing hidden genetic patterns and exploring evolutionary dynamics within diatom species.