Comparative transcriptomics revealed the ecological trap effect of linearly polarized light on Oratosquilla oratoria.

Although polarized light can assist many animals in performing special visual tasks, current polarized light pollution (PLP) caused by urban construction has been shown to induce maladaptive behaviors of PL-sensitive animals and change ecological interactions. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Our previous work hypothesized that linearly polarized light (LPL) is an ecological trap for Oratosquilla oratoria, a common Stomatopoda species in the China Sea. Here we explored the underlying negative effects of artificially LPL on O. oratoria based on comparative transcriptomics. We identified 3616 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in O. oratoria compound eyes continuous exposed to natural light (NL) and LPL scenarios. In comparison with the NL scenario, a total of 1972 up- and 1644 down- regulated genes were obtained from the O. oratoria compound eyes under LPL scenario, respectively. Furthermore, we performed functional annotation of those DEGs described above and identified 65 DEGs related to phototransduction, reproduction, immunity, and synapse. Based on the functional information, we suspected that continuous LPL exposure could block the light transmission, disrupt the reproductive process, and lead to the progressive failure of the immune response of O. oratoria. In conclusion, this study is the first to systematically describe the negative effects of artificial LPL exposure on O. oratoria at the genetic level, and it can improve the biological conservation theory behind PLP.