Population genetic structure of a major reef-building coral species Acropora downingi in northeastern Arabian Peninsula

Abstract Current seawater temperatures around the northeastern Arabian Peninsula resemble future global forecasts as > 35 °C are commonly observed in summer. To provide a more fundamental aim of understanding structure wild populations extreme environmental conditions, we conducted population genetic study widespread, regional endemic table coral species, Acropora downingi , across Peninsula. A total 63 samples were collected southern Arabian/Persian Gulf (Abu Dhabi and Qatar) Sea Oman (northeastern Oman). Using RAD-seq techniques, described A. area. Pairwise G’st distance-based analyses using neutral markers displayed two distinct clusters: one represented by individuals, other individuals. Nevertheless, model-based method applied to data suggested panmictic encompassing both seas. Hypotheses explain distinctiveness phylogeographic subregions rely on either (1) bottleneck events due successive mass bleaching, (2) recent founder effect, (3) ecological speciation large spatial gradients physical or (4) combination seascape features, ocean circulation larval traits. Neutral indicated slightly structured downingi, which exclude hypothesis . Future studies broader range organisms required furnish evidence for existing hypotheses explaining Though this is most thermally tolerant acroporid species worldwide, corals have undergone major mortality over past three decades. Therefore, present has important implications patterns processes differentiation group, whose may be pushed extinction warms.