22.05.2024: Špela D.B. Borko (University of Graz): Evolution in the dark: a case of groundwater amphipods, HS 02.11, Institut für Biologie, Bereich Zoologie, Universitätsplatz 2, 13:15 Uhr
The subterranean realm, permanently dark and with low temperatures, is often perceived as ecologically simple, stable and extreme compared to its surface counterpart. However, it encompasses various terrestrial and aquatic habitats, from tiny fissures just below the surface to vast empty spaces hundreds of meters deep. It is also highly fragmented. Karst massifs can be viewed as discrete natural replicates, analogous to islands and lakes. The subterranean environment thus offers a complex landscape for lineages to ecologically differentiate and also barriers for gene flow that promote allopatric speciation.
One of the most widespread and diverse groups of subterranean organisms, the amphipod genus Niphargus, is an excellent model system for studying evolution in the subterranean environment. With more than 400 described and as many undescribed species, this mega-diverse genus importantly contributes to the biodiversity in the aquatic subterranean habitats of the Western Palearctic. It evolved from a subterranean ancestor, and its diversification took place entirely underground. Today, Niphargus species are found in virtually all subterranean aquatic habitats. Their morphology is related to habitat properties, suggesting adaptation to subterranean habitats. I will present the results of Niphargus diversification studies on various spatio-temporal scales.
Source of figure: Borko et al (2021), Nat Commun 12, 3688. doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-24023-w