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<p>Shallow lake ecosystems are particularly vulnerable due to their sensitivity to environmental changes and their role as shelter for specialized aquatic plant communities. This study investigates genetic diversity patterns in nine macrophyte species across five French shallow lakes, including two endangered aquatic plant species (<i>Lobelia dortmanna</i> and <i>Littorella uniflora</i>). Using species-specific microsatellite markers and clone-corrected dataset, we analyzed genetic diversity and population genetic structure in relation to species commonness, lake characteristics, and environmental variables. Results revealed: (1) a positive relationship between species commonness and genetic diversity, reflecting both contemporary and historical demographic processes; (2) remarkably high genetic differentiation across species despite geographic proximity (FST = 0.26–0.27), with values 3–10 times higher than typical for aquatic plants and comparable to terrestrial habitat specialists; (3) significant environmental influences on genetic parameters, with watershed area and habitat quality (eutrophication, disturbance) as key predictors; and (4) clonality rates increasing in degraded lakes as an adaptive plastic response to environmental stress. Clone correction amplified these genetic contrasts, confirming that results reflect evolutionary variation rather than clonal propagation. Endangered species exhibited lower genetic diversity and higher clonality, particularly in degraded lakes. These findings highlight the importance of investigating genetic diversity at the community-level beyond single species, as integrative measures of ecosystem health, with emphasis on maintaining hydrological connectivity between lake systems. This multi-species approach provides insights for developing effective conservation strategies that address both natural and human-induced drivers of genetic variation in these sensitive freshwater ecosystems.</p>

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Genetic diversity of aquatic macrophytes in Aquitaine lakes

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月3日

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  • Estelle-Marie Debailleul,
  • Aurélien Jamoneau,
  • Olivier Lepais

摘要

Shallow lake ecosystems are particularly vulnerable due to their sensitivity to environmental changes and their role as shelter for specialized aquatic plant communities. This study investigates genetic diversity patterns in nine macrophyte species across five French shallow lakes, including two endangered aquatic plant species (Lobelia dortmanna and Littorella uniflora). Using species-specific microsatellite markers and clone-corrected dataset, we analyzed genetic diversity and population genetic structure in relation to species commonness, lake characteristics, and environmental variables. Results revealed: (1) a positive relationship between species commonness and genetic diversity, reflecting both contemporary and historical demographic processes; (2) remarkably high genetic differentiation across species despite geographic proximity (FST = 0.26–0.27), with values 3–10 times higher than typical for aquatic plants and comparable to terrestrial habitat specialists; (3) significant environmental influences on genetic parameters, with watershed area and habitat quality (eutrophication, disturbance) as key predictors; and (4) clonality rates increasing in degraded lakes as an adaptive plastic response to environmental stress. Clone correction amplified these genetic contrasts, confirming that results reflect evolutionary variation rather than clonal propagation. Endangered species exhibited lower genetic diversity and higher clonality, particularly in degraded lakes. These findings highlight the importance of investigating genetic diversity at the community-level beyond single species, as integrative measures of ecosystem health, with emphasis on maintaining hydrological connectivity between lake systems. This multi-species approach provides insights for developing effective conservation strategies that address both natural and human-induced drivers of genetic variation in these sensitive freshwater ecosystems.