Hitchhiking consequences for genetic and morphological patterns: the influence of kelp-rafting on a brooding chiton

A study of the brooding chiton Onithochiton neglectus reveals that kelp-rafting significantly influences its genetic and morphological patterns across New Zealand. The research found distinct northern and southern lineages, with an additional lineage in central New Zealand, which do not align with existing subspecies classifications but match the species' association with buoyant kelp (Durvillaea spp.). Shell shape variations also correspond to this ecological association, suggesting a link between morphology and regional habitat use. To investigate these patterns, the study employed geometric morphometrics for shell shape analysis and phylogenetic trees using nuclear (ITS) and mitochondrial (COI and 16S) markers.

Salloum, P. M., de Villemereuil, P., Santure, A. W., Waters, J. M., & Lavery, S. D. (2020). Hitchhiking consequences for genetic and morphological patterns: the influence of kelp-rafting on a brooding chiton. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 130(4), 756–770. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blaa073