Effects of thermal history on reproductive success and cross-generational effects in the kelp Laminaria pallida (Phaeophyceae)

As climate change threatens marine ecosystems, sessile species such as kelps can be particularly impacted by rapidly changing environmental conditions. In this context, phenotypic plasticity can allow organisms to optimize their performance to cope with high temperatures. Here, we investigated the effects of thermal history on reproductive success and cross-generational plasticity in the warm-temperate kelp Laminaria pallida. Our results show that reproductive success of fertile gametophytes (14oC) was improved by prior vegetative growth under warm compared to cold conditions. Cross-generational effects were evident; thermal tolerance of microscopic F1 sporophytes was modulated by the thermal history of the parental gametophytes. However, the effects were complex, varying by physiological trait, exposure time and genotype (crosses). A warm thermal history increased the photosynthetic efficiency of sporophytes at moderate to high temperatures, while the sporophytes from a cold thermal history grew more during the first 8 d at all experimental temperatures, but this effect disappeared over time. Our results suggest that preconditioning for reproduction and cross-generational effects can play an important role in the adaptation of L. pallida to warm habitats, highlighting the importance of incorporating thermal history effects in physiological studies to accurately predict the vulnerability of populations and species to future warming climates.

Automated summary

As climate change impacts marine ecosystems, sessile species like kelps are particularly vulnerable to rapidly changing environmental conditions. The study explored how thermal history affects reproductive success and cross-generational plasticity in a warm-temperate kelp. Results showed that prior vegetative growth under warm conditions improved reproductive success, while the thermal history of parental gametophytes influenced the thermal tolerance of microscopic sporophytes.