Shifts in coral clonality along a gradient of disturbance: insights on reproduction and dispersal of <i>Pocillopora acuta</i>

Abstract

Pocillopora acuta, formerly synonymized with P. damicornis, is an ecologically important reef-building coral that exhibits mixed reproductive modes, geographic variation in clonality, and conflicting reports of population genetic structure. Using 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci, this study examined clonality, genetic differentiation, and connectivity of genetically identified P. acuta (n = 428) in the Bolinao–Anda Reef Complex (BARC), Philippines, characterized by varying levels of wave exposure. Estimates of clonal richness indicate that the populations are largely derived from asexual reproduction, more likely via dispersal of ameiotic larvae. Clonal richness, population density, and mean colony size vary with wave exposure, suggesting the potential influence of local-scale disturbance on clonality, reproductive mode, and population structure. Populations in low-energy environments were characterized by greater colony density, larger colonies, and a greater proportion of clones compared to high-energy environments. Despite evidence for realized clonal dispersal of P. acuta extending up to 22 km, significant genetic differentiation among BARC populations reveals restricted gene flow at small spatial scales. Moreover, genetic differentiation is more pronounced when considering the spatial distribution of clones (FST including clones = 0.059; FST excluding clones = 0.028), suggesting that (1) asexually produced propagules are likely retained locally and across-site settlement is not as common; and (2) sexually derived propagules may have broader scales of dispersal. This study reexamines the population genetics of this often-problematic coral and underlines the importance of contextualizing site and species biology in designing or enhancing management towards the maintenance of functional genetic diversity and pathways of connectivity among populations.