Connectivity and divergence of symbiotic bacteria of deep-sea hydrothermal vent mussels in relation to the structure and dynamics of mid-ocean ridges

The population divergence process of deep-sea vent invertebrates is driven by both biotic (e.g., dispersal during the larval stage) and abiotic factors such as deep-ocean currents, depth, geological setting vents. However, little known regarding hydrothermal microorganisms. Therefore, our study sought to investigate influence geographic on symbiotic bacteria Bathymodiolus mussels. genetic differentiation patterns symbionts were examined using next-generation sequencing DNA data in two ocean basins with distinct features: slow-spreading Central Indian Ridge (CIR) fast- or superfast-spreading eastern Pacific Ridges. Our findings showed that degree symbiont populations was geographically hierarchical: highest between basins, followed inter-ridge sites East Rise Antarctic Ridge. Easter Microplate intervening these ridges acted a biogeographic physical barrier for their host On scale intra-ridge, isolation distance CIR but not ridges. These contrasting relate different ridge spreading rates determining most characteristics mid-ocean affect connectivity habitats space time. At intra-ridge CIR, processes hosts from separate three segments analyzed detail model migration (IM). phylogenetic topology congruent populations, indicating common historical constraints vents Collectively, provide key insights into dynamics microbial