Parapatric genetic introgression and phenotypic assimilation: testing conditions for introgression between Hercules beetles (Dynastes, Dynastinae)

Citations Over TimeTop 10% of 2016 papers

Abstract

The prevalence and consequences of genetic introgression between species have been intensively debated. I used Hercules beetles as examples to test for conditions that may be associated with the occurrence of introgression. RADseq data were used to reconstruct the species tree and history of introgression between Hercules beetles. Image data from museum specimens were used to investigate the phenotypic similarity of two adaptive traits between species from two distinct climatic realms (Nearctic vs. Neotropical). Genetic introgression was identified between Hercules beetles living in geographic proximity (parapatric). Phylogenetic relatedness and phenotypic similarity did not predict nor preclude genetic introgression between species. Phenotypic assimilation in body coloration was evident between distantly related Hercules beetles codistributed in Central America, where directional introgression was also statistically supported from the putative donor to receiver lineages. The number of introgressed loci was significantly higher between species with than without phenotypic similarity. I discuss the implications of recent studies on adaptive genetic introgression by providing supporting evidence from the Hercules beetle system.

Related Papers

• → Gene Flow and Introgression from Domesticated Plants into their Wild Relatives(1999)1,042 cited
• → Gene flow and species delimitation(2009)805 cited
• → Comparison of gene flow among species that occur within the same geographic locations versus gene flow among populations within species reveals introgression among severalElymusspecies(2015)5 cited
• → Gene flow and establishment of transgenes in natural plant populations(1997)31 cited
• Gene flow - dependent introgression and species delimitation: evidence from mtDNA & cpDNA variation in spruce(2010)