Evolutionary genomics of two co-occurring congeneric fore reef coral species on Guam (Mariana Islands)

Population structure provides essential information for developing meaningful conservation plans. This is especially important in remote places, such as oceanic islands, where limited population sizes and genetic isolation can make populations more susceptible and self-dependent.

In this study, we assess and compare the relatedness, population genetics and molecular ecology of two sympatric Acropora species, A. surculosa sensu Randall & Myers (1983) and A. cf. verweyi Veron & Wallace, 1984 around Guam, using genome-wide sequence data (ddRAD). We further contrast our findings with the results of a recent study on back reef A. cf. pulchra (Brook, 1891) to assess the impact of habitat, colony morphology and phylogenetic relatedness on these basic population genetic characteristics and generate testable hypotheses for future studies.

Both target species were found to have small effective population sizes, low levels of genetic diversity, and minimal population structure around Guam. Nonetheless, A. cf. verweyi had significantly higher levels of genetic diversity, some population structure as well as more clones, close relatives and putative loci under selection. Comparisons with A. cf. pulchra indicate a potentially significant impact by habitat on population structure and genetic diversity while colony morphology seems to significantly impact clonality.

This study revealed significant differences in the basic population genetic makeup of two sympatric Acropora species on Guam. Our results suggest that colony morphology and habitat/ecology may have a significant impact on the population genetic make-up in reef corals, which could offer valuable insights for future management decisions in the absence of genetic data.