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Evolution of fast-growing piscivorous herring in the young Baltic Sea

Author

Listed:
  • Jake Goodall

    (Uppsala University)

  • Mats E. Pettersson

    (Uppsala University)

  • Ulf Bergström

    (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences)

  • Arianna Cocco

    (Uppsala University)

  • Bo Delling

    (Swedish Museum of Natural History)

  • Yvette Heimbrand

    (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences)

  • O. Magnus Karlsson

    (IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute)

  • Josefine Larsson

    (Simrishamns kommun)

  • Hannes Waldetoft

    (IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute)

  • Andreas Wallberg

    (Uppsala University)

  • Lovisa Wennerström

    (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences)

  • Leif Andersson

    (Uppsala University
    Texas A&M University)

Abstract

The circumstances under which species diversify to genetically distinct lineages is a fundamental question in biology. Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) is an extremely abundant zooplanktivorous species that is subdivided into multiple ecotypes that differ regarding spawning time and genetic adaption to local environmental conditions such as temperature, salinity, and light conditions. Here we show using whole genome analysis that multiple populations of piscivorous (fish-eating) herring have evolved sympatrically after the colonization of the brackish Baltic Sea within the last 8000 years postglaciation. The piscivorous ecotype grows faster, and is much larger and less abundant than the zooplanktivorous Baltic herring. Lesions of the gill rakers in the piscivorous ecotype indicated incomplete adaptation to a fish diet. This niche expansion of herring in the young Baltic Sea, with its paucity of piscivorous species, suggests that empty niche space is more important than geographic isolation for the evolution of biodiversity.

Suggested Citation

  • Jake Goodall & Mats E. Pettersson & Ulf Bergström & Arianna Cocco & Bo Delling & Yvette Heimbrand & O. Magnus Karlsson & Josefine Larsson & Hannes Waldetoft & Andreas Wallberg & Lovisa Wennerström & L, 2024. "Evolution of fast-growing piscivorous herring in the young Baltic Sea," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-55216-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55216-8
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