Whole genome sequencing distinguishes the two most common giant kelp (Macrocystis) ecomorphs

Giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, exists as distinct morphological variants, called ecomorphs, in different populations, yet the mechanism for this variation is uncertain and environmental drivers for either adaptive or plastic phenotypes have not been identified. This study evaluates the degree of genetic divergence between the two most common giant kelp ecomorphs across 18 populations in Chile and California using whole-genome sequencing and SNP markers. This is the first study to use whole-genome sequencing to understand genetic divergence in giant kelp ecomorphs.