Data from: Constrasting global genetic patterns in two biologically similar, widespread and invasive Ciona species (Tunicata, Ascidiacea)

• Main Authors: Bouchemousse, Sarah, Bishop, John D. D., Viard, Frédérique
• Format: Dataset
• Language: English
• Published: Dryad 2017
• Subjects: worldwide dispersion; Ciona robusta; Ciona intestinalis; mtDNA; Ascidiacea; Pacific; North Atlantic
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.5061/dryad.7g555; http://datadryad.org/stash/dataset/doi:10.5061/dryad.7g555

Human-mediated dispersal interplays with natural processes and complicates understanding of the biogeographical history of species. This is exemplified by two invasive tunicates, Ciona robusta (formerly Ciona intestinalis type A) and C. intestinalis (formerly Ciona intestinalis type B), globally distributed and sympatric in Europe. By gathering new mitochondrial sequences that were merged with published datasets, we analysed genetic patterns in different regions, with a focus on 1) their sympatric range and 2) allopatric populations in N and S America and southern Europe. In the sympatric range, the two species display contrasting genetic diversity patterns, with low polymorphism in C. robusta supporting the prevalent view of its recent introduction. In the E Pacific, several genetic traits support the non-native status of C. robusta. However, in the NE Pacific, this appraisal requires a complex scenario of introduction and should be further examined supported by extensive sampling efforts in the NW Pacific (putative native range). For C. intestinalis, Bayesian analysis suggested a natural amphi-North Atlantic distribution, casting doubt on its non-native status in the NW Atlantic. This study shows that both natural and human-mediated dispersal have influenced genetic patterns at broad scales; this interaction lessens our ability to confidently ascertain native vs. non-native status of populations, particularly of those species that are globally distributed. : Haplotype frequencies per population for Ciona robusta and Ciona intestinalisExcel file containing haplotype frequencies per populations and per regions for Ciona robusta (1st sheet) and Ciona intestinalis (2nd sheet) using COX3-ND1 dataset (Tables A) and concatenated (COI+COX3-ND1) dataset (Tables B)Haplotype frequency Ciona robusta_Ciona intestinalis.xlsxSequences of haplotypes COX3-ND1 and concatenated mtDNA for Ciona robusta and Ciona intestinalisFasta sequences of COX3-ND1 and concatenated haplotypes (COI + COX3-ND1) for Ciona robusta and Ciona intestinalisSeq haplotypes_Ciona robusta_Ciona intestinalis.zip