Raw and transformed methylation sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) data for Ciona intestinalis, and daily average temperature data for the ten sample sites along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, Canada

Mounting evidence indicates that epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation play crucial roles in rapid local accommodation and adaptation. Thus, we hypothesize that different local environments can trigger methylation divergence among marine invasive populations at fine geographical scales.

In this study, we examined population methylation patterns in the invasive ascidian, Ciona intestinalis, along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, where significant temperature differences exist at defined locations along the coast. Using the methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) technique, we observed a high level of intra- and inter-population diversity, as well as significant population methylation differentiation.