Genome streamlining and clonal erosion in nutrient-limited environments: a test using genome-size variable populations

Abstract

Abstract Some selection-based theories propose that genome streamlining, favoring smaller genome sizes, is advantageous in nutritionally limited environments, particularly under P-limitation. To test this prediction, we conducted several experimental evolution trials on clonal populations of a facultatively asexual rotifer that exhibits intraspecific variation in genome size. Most trials showed a rapid decline in clonal diversity, which was accelerated in populations that were initially nonadapted. Populations consisting of three rotifer clones often became monoclonal within a few weeks, while populations starting with 120 clones eroded to 10 multilocus genotypes, of which only five were abundant in higher numbers. While P-limitation affected population growth during the experiments, it did not affect the outcome of clonal competition or the speed at which clonal diversity was lost. Common garden transplant experiments revealed that the evolved populations were better adapted to the experimental conditions than the ancestral controls. However, contrary to expectations, the evolved populations did not show an overrepresentation of small genomes. Intermediate genomes were also frequently abundant, although very large genomes were rare. Our findings suggest that fitness is more influenced by genotypic differences among clones than by differences in GS, and indicate that such differences might hinder genome streamlining during early adaptation to a new environment.