Using a quantitative trait nucleotide simulation to assess the impact of migration and thermal selection on local adaptation in a mussel hybrid zone
Abstract
Marine environments face temperature change and novel introductions of invasive species, altering native species’ genetic makeup. Invasive species may occupy the range of a native species of the same genus, leading to a hybrid zone. A hybrid zone along the southeastern coast of Australia consists of invasive Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels and native Mytilus planulatus mussels. Populations with higher proportions of M. galloprovincialis genomes establish in warmer temperature regions. This study proposes to use a combination of evolutionary simulations and larval selection experiments to assess how migration, admixture, and thermal selection impact adaptation, and how climatic scenarios influence hybrid population survival.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Brent Lockwood
Status
Graduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Biochemistry
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Using a quantitative trait nucleotide simulation to assess the impact of migration and thermal selection on local adaptation in a mussel hybrid zone
Marine environments face temperature change and novel introductions of invasive species, altering native species’ genetic makeup. Invasive species may occupy the range of a native species of the same genus, leading to a hybrid zone. A hybrid zone along the southeastern coast of Australia consists of invasive Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels and native Mytilus planulatus mussels. Populations with higher proportions of M. galloprovincialis genomes establish in warmer temperature regions. This study proposes to use a combination of evolutionary simulations and larval selection experiments to assess how migration, admixture, and thermal selection impact adaptation, and how climatic scenarios influence hybrid population survival.
