Diversity, divergence and density: How habitat and hybrid zone dynamics maintain a genomic cline in an intertidal barnacle

Aim As within-species genomic data have been shown useful in interpreting broader biogeographic trends, we analysed the mode of population genomic isolation involved in a well-studied intertidal genomic cline to better understand the mechanisms maintaining it. These results were interpreted in the context of spatial variation in habitat use and availability as well as likely fitness consequences for hybridization between the two lineages. Location Pacific coast of North America. Taxon Arthropods (Class Maxillopoda, Order Sessilia, Family Balanidae; Balanus glandula). Methods Genotype-by-sequencing approaches were used to generate single-nucleotide polymorphism markers across sites sampled between southern Alaska and Southern California. Inference using standard population genomic methods, including analysis of population structure, inbreeding and linkage disequilibrium, was used to identify the steepest transitions across the largest number of loci examined. These data were put in the context of observed population density and habitat availability. Results We show that the majority of markers analysed show strong clinal transitions in a very narrow portion of the California coast. Patterns of linkage disequilibrium among markers, along with prior evidence of variation in reproductive potential by latitude and by mitochondrial lineage, suggest some reproductive isolation among the northern and southern lineages of B. glandula that are concordant with the drop in population density and habitat availability in central California. Main Conclusions A significant clinal transition in genomic diversity is stronger and more localized than previously recognized and exhibits statistical patterns suggesting that the lineages are reproductively and phenotypically distinct in ways that may be ecologically important. As this species has been used to infer process in coastal biogeography, further study of concordant patterns will be important for advancing our understanding of this region.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the population genomic isolation involved in an intertidal genomic cline on the Pacific coast of North America, focusing on a narrow area in California with strong clinal transitions. Evidence of reproductive isolation between the northern and southern lineages of Balanus glandula was found, indicating potential ecological significance in maintaining distinct lineages in this species. Further research on concordant patterns in coastal biogeography using this species is crucial for advancing understanding of the region.