What question did this study set out to answer?

The objective is to investigate the genetic and morphological diversity of Profundum solomoni in hadal environments.

March 27, 2026Zoologica Scripta0 citationsOpen Access

Profundum solomoni (Amphipoda: Uristidae) Exhibits a Disjunct Geographic Distribution at Hadal Depths Across the San Cristobal Trench, Santa Cruz Trench and Nova Canton Trough

BGBrett C. GonzalezThe University of Western Australia JWJennifer A. WainwrightThe University of Western Australia AJAlan J. JamiesonThe University of Western Australia

Key Points

The objective is to investigate the genetic and morphological diversity of Profundum solomoni in hadal environments.
Conducted molecular analyses using GMYC, PTP, and ABGD delimitation approaches.
Analyzed genetic diversity through multilocus and COI haplotype networks.
Examined demographic statistics to infer population history.
Identified a single evolutionary lineage of P. solomoni across three hadal features.
Observed a recent population expansion with minimal ongoing gene flow.
Documented the absence of P. solomoni in geographically closer trenches, indicating disjunct distribution.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Hadal environments (> 6000 m ocean depths) are often viewed as isolated locations with high species endemism due to limited dispersal. However, molecular studies continue to reveal greater complexity that questions historical perceptions. Recent population genetic studies focused on scavenging amphipods have identified broadly distributed lineages spanning multiple hadal features, challenging hadal endemism. Here, we investigate the morphological and genetic diversity of the recently erected hadal amphipod Profundum solomoni (Uristidae) from three features in the South Pacific. Integrating three widely utilised delimitation approaches (GMYC, PTP, ABGD), our multilocus analyses overarchingly converge on a single evolutionary lineage throughout the neighbouring San Cristobal Trench, Santa Cruz Trench and Nova Canton Trough ~3000 km to the east. Demographic statistics and COI haplotype networks further indicate a recent population expansion with little evidence of ongoing gene flow. Together, these results demonstrate an unusual distribution of P. solomoni as to date they have not been found in the New Britain, New Hebrides, Kermadec and Tonga trenches which are geographically closer to where they were found here. This study adds to the growing number of lysianassids reported from multiple hadal features across ocean basins.

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark

View Full Paper