Meeting Abstract
Because some ecological and evolutionary processes can have similar effects on genetic diversity within species and on species diversity within communities, positive correlations between the different levels of biodiversity are expected. Such correlations are useful indicators of habitat characteristics that can support high diversity at multiple levels. However, selection can disrupt potential species- genetic diversity correlations; for example, in cases of species with specific adaptations or environmental tolerances. Moreover, recent meta-analyses indicate that species- genetic diversity correlations are more commonly found in studies of discrete habitat units. We determined the genetic diversity of the spionid polychaete Pygospio elegans at four sites in the Isefjord-Roskilde Fjord estuary in Denmark over four time points in 2014 (March, May, August and November) using eight microsatellite markers. Temporal variation in species diversity of Annelids and other benthic macroinvertebrates was also evaluated. Despite short geographic distances and ecological similarities between the sites, there were significant seasonal changes in genetic diversity of P. elegans that were positively correlated with species diversity. Although P. elegans was most abundant in May, genetic diversity of this species was highest in August. Genetic differentiation was also evident, particularly between the site from the inner estuary and those in the outer estuary. Species- genetic diversity correlations in the marine environment have not been studied frequently, and our results provide evidence for such correlations even though it is difficult to discern discrete habitat units.
