How to find hotspots of genetic diversity from your desk
We marine biologists love the biodiversity of the oceans and aim for its conservation and protection. The places with the highest biodiversity, so-called Hotspots of Biodiversity, are fragile and must be particularly protected.
For that purpose, they need to be identified first... But, how to do it if you are trapped during quarantine? During my professional practice, my task was to find hotspots of genetic diversity in a global-wide scale by collecting and mapping genetic diversity index data. This is an innovative approach to marine phylogeography that is being currently developed by my supervisors Jorge Asís and Eliza Fragkopoulou from the CCMAR (Centro de Ciencias do Mar).
Many challenges arose during my professional practice. The firsts of these were related to the compilation of data and the elaboration of the database, which had to be constantly reviewed and corrected, from the beginning to the end.
All mapping was done through the R program, using a complex script. I had to execute it for each study case, constantly having to correct small details and errors to make it run correctly.
Some examples of maps of genetic diversity and structure produced
The genetic structure colours indicate the different genetic clusters identified in the population. In each (sampling) site there can be one or more clusters
The red color intensity indicates the grade of genetic diversity of each site.
FINAL MAPS SHOWING HOTSPOTS OF GENETIC DIVERSITY IDENTIFIED BY MARKER AND INDEX
PERSONAL REFLECTION
This professional practice has meant a great challenge for me at many levels. It demanded an important effort not only to review and collect the data, but also to build a solid and uniform database that evidenced some weaknesses in my organization skills. In addition, the motivation is not always strong when you perform a systematic task of reviewing bibliography and collecting data, which can become a very tedious process. This, together with the last month's situation that forced me to develop my work from home, without any personal contact with my supervisors, made the firsts weeks of the PP very difficult. Gradually, I was able to overcome all these difficulties and obtain a great experience and improvement of my abilities in many aspects. Moreover, I could significantly contribute to my supervisor´s project, which was, from the beginning, one of my main goals.
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE
cENTRO DE CIENCIAS DO MAR
A leading institution for the advancement of marine research, while delivering science to society and enabling sustainable development.
Mission: To understand, protect and explore the potential of marine resources through multidisciplinary research, innovation and training.
Dedicated to R&D in marine sciences, CCMAR aims to promote multidisciplinary research and education related with the marine environment, with emphasis on the processes of environmental change that affect marine ecosystems. This includes understanding the causes and consequences of these environmental changes and developing approaches to conserve and unlock the potential of living marine resources.
Strategically, CCMAR follows three main research lines: (1) Drivers, responses and tipping points in changing environments, (2) Management and conservation of marine resources and (3) Unlocking the potential of marine resources. CCMAR activities extend beyond scientific research to include advanced scientific training, collaborations with industry, meeting societal challenges and building bridges with international partners.
My PP is developed in the Habitat and Biodiversity Mapping (belonging to the second line), centered in the modeling of species distribution and diversity
Habitat suitability modeling, niche ecology modeling, species distribution modeling and seascape genetics for conservation planning and for evaluating the impacts of drivers of global change. Models are used to support the implementation European policies such as the Habitats (HD) directive, EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy, Water Framework, Marine Strategy Framework and Maritime Spatial Planning directives.
