Variation in nuclear genome size within the Eisenia nordenskioldi complex (Lumbricidae, Annelida)

The size of the nuclear genome in eukaryotes is mostly determined by mobile elements and noncoding sequences and may vary within wide limits. It can differ significantly both among higher-order taxa and closely related species within a genus; genome size is known to be uncorrelated with organism complexity (the so-called C-paradox). Less is known about intraspecific variation of this parameter. Typically, genome size is stable within a species, and the known exceptions turn out be cryptic taxa. The Eisenia nordenskioldi complex encompasses several closely related earthworm species. They are widely distributed in the Urals, Siberia, and the Russian Far East, as well as adjacent regions. This complex is characterized by significant morphological, chromosomal, ecological, and genetic variation. The aim of our study was to estimate the nuclear genome size in several genetic lineages of the E.  nordenskioldi complex using flow cytometry. The genome size in different genetic lineages differed strongly, which supports the hypothesis that they are separate species. We found two groups of lineages, with small (250–500 Mbp) and large (2300–3500 Mbp) genomes. Moreover, different populations within one lineage also demonstrated variation in genome size (15–25 %). We compared the obtained data to phylogenetic trees based on transcriptome data. Genome size in ancestral population was more likely to be big. It increased or decreased independently in different lineages, and these processes could be associated with changes in genome size and/or transition to endogeic lifestyle.

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