The contribution of mutation to variation in temperature-dependent sprint speed in zebrafish, Danio rerio

Abstract

The contribution of new mutations to phenotypic variation, and the consequences of this variation for individual fitness, are fundamental concepts for understanding genetic variation and adaptation. Here, we investigated how mutation influenced variation in a complex trait in zebrafish, Danio rerio. Typical of many ecologically relevant traits in ectotherms, swimming speed in fish is temperature-dependent, with evidence of adaptive evolution of thermal performance. We chemically induced novel germline point mutations in males, and measured sprint speed in their sons at six temperatures (between 16{degrees}C and 34{degrees}C). Mutational effects on speed were strongly positively correlated among temperatures, resulting in statistical support for only a single axis of mutational variation, reflecting temperature-independent variation in speed (faster-slower mode). While these results suggest pleiotropic effects on speed across different temperatures, when mutation have consistent directional effects on each trait, spurious correlations arise via linkage, or heterogeneity in mutation number. However, mutation did not change mean speed, indicating no directional bias in mutational effects. The results contribute to emerging evidence that mutations may predominantly have synergistic cross-environment effects, in contrast to conditionally neutral or antagonistic effects which underpin thermal adaptation. However, aspects of experimental design might limit resolution of mutations with non-synergistic effects.