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Bidirectional introgressive hybridization between Lepus capensis and Lepus yarkandensis
Yonghua Wu1, Lin Xia, Qian Zhang
1Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Datun Road, Chaoyang, Beijing 100101, China.
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
|April 6, 2011
Summary
Hybridization between Cape hares (Lepus capensis) and Yarkand hares (Lepus yarkandensis) is confirmed by distinct phenotypes and genetic markers. These findings reveal extensive gene flow and introgression in their contact zones.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Genetics
- Ecology
Background:
- Lepus capensis and Lepus yarkandensis are distinct hare species with differing habitats and morphology.
- L. capensis is widespread, while L. yarkandensis is endemic to China's Tarim Basin.
- Unclassified individuals with unique phenotypes were observed in the contact zone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin of unclassified individuals found in the contact zone between L. capensis and L. yarkandensis.
- To determine if hybridization and introgression occur between these two hare species.
Main Methods:
- Morphological analysis of 700 individuals, including L. yarkandensis, L. capensis, and unclassified individuals.
- Genetic analysis using species-specific molecular markers (mitochondrial control region and SRY gene).
Main Results:
- Morphological data indicated unclassified individuals possess intermediate traits between L. yarkandensis and L. capensis.
- Genetic analyses revealed the presence of both L. capensis and L. yarkandensis mtDNA and SRY genes in unclassified populations, confirming hybridization.
- Extensive bidirectional mtDNA introgression and lower-level SRY gene introgression were observed between the species in contact zones.
Conclusions:
- The unclassified individuals represent hybrid populations resulting from interspecific hybridization between L. capensis and L. yarkandensis.
- Significant genetic exchange, particularly mtDNA introgression, occurs between these species where their ranges overlap.
- Hybridization and introgression are key processes shaping the genetic landscape of these hare populations in their contact zones.
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