Sperm swimming in the polychaete Galeolaria caespitosa shows substantial inter-individual variability in response to future ocean acidification

• Published in: Marine Pollution Bulletin
• Main Authors: Schlegel, Peter, Havenhand, Jon N., Obadia, Nicolas, Williamson, Jane E.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: Broadcast spawning; CO; Galeolaria caespitosa; PH; Phenotypic variation; Serpulidae; Ocean acidification
• Online Access: https://researchers.mq.edu.au/en/publications/93e41b4b-872c-4969-b6dc-f83321d88321; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.10.040; https://research-management.mq.edu.au/ws/files/62416778/Publisher%20version.pdf; http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84892432287&partnerID=8YFLogxK

The rapidity of ocean acidification intensifies selection pressure for resilient phenotypes, particularly during sensitive early life stages. The scope for selection is greater in species with greater within-species variation in responses to changing environments, thus enhancing the potential for adaptation. We investigated among-male variation in sperm swimming responses (percent motility and swimming speeds) of the serpulid polychaete Galeolaria caespitosa to near- (δpH -0.3) and far-future ocean acidification (δpH -0.5). Responses of sperm swimming to acidification varied significantly among males and were overall negative. Robust sperm swimming behavior under near-future ocean acidification in some males may ameliorate climate change impacts, if traits associated with robustness are heritable, and thereby enhance the potential for adaptation to far-future conditions. Reduced sperm swimming in the majority of male G. caespitosa may decrease their fertilization success in a high CO 2 future ocean. Resultant changes in offspring production could affect recruitment success and population fitness downstream.