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Magic traits in speciation: 'magic' but not rare?

Maria R Servedio1, G Sander Van Doorn, Michael Kopp

  • 1Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. servedio@email.unc.edu

Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|May 20, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Magic traits, which link adaptation and reproductive isolation, are more common than assumed. They can arise as a byproduct of adaptive divergence, facilitating speciation with gene flow.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Speciation research
  • Population genetics

Background:

  • Speciation with gene flow is challenging.
  • "Magic traits" that simultaneously drive adaptation and non-random mating have been proposed to overcome this.
  • The prevalence and mechanisms of magic traits remain debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To challenge the notion that magic traits are rare or unrealistic.
  • To explore diverse mechanisms generating magic traits.
  • To investigate the unique role of magic traits in speciation.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical modeling of speciation.
  • Review of existing evolutionary literature.
  • Conceptual analysis of trait evolution and reproductive isolation.

Main Results:

  • Magic traits can emerge through various evolutionary pathways.
  • Reproductive isolation can be a byproduct of adaptive divergence.
  • Physically linked trait complexes can mimic the effects of magic traits.

Conclusions:

  • Magic traits are likely more frequent than previously thought.
  • Their role in speciation warrants further empirical and theoretical investigation.
  • Speciation with gene flow may be facilitated by common evolutionary processes.