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Polygamy slows down population divergence in shorebirds.
Josephine D'Urban Jackson1,2, Natalie Dos Remedios3, Kathryn H Maher1
1Milner Centre for Evolution, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom.
Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|February 25, 2017
Summary
Polygamous shorebirds show less genetic structure and fewer subspecies, suggesting that mating systems influence speciation. Polygamy may slow diversification by increasing gene flow and dispersal in these bird species.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Speciation Research
Background:
- Sexual selection can drive speciation through mate choice and competition, potentially leading to reproductive isolation.
- Conversely, polygamy might hinder speciation by increasing breeding dispersal and gene flow, thus reducing population divergence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between mating systems (polygamy vs. monogamy) and diversification in shorebirds.
- To determine if polygamy predicts genetic differentiation and subspecies richness in the plover genus Charadrius.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microsatellite data from 79 populations across 10 plover species (Charadrius).
- Assessment of genetic differentiation and isolation-by-distance effects.
- Comparative analysis of subspecies richness across 136 shorebird species, correlating with mating systems.
Main Results:
- Polygamous shorebird species exhibited significantly lower genetic structure and weaker isolation-by-distance effects compared to monogamous species.
- A broader analysis confirmed that polygamous species possess significantly fewer subspecies than monogamous species.
- Migratory behavior did not significantly predict genetic differentiation or subspecies richness.
Conclusions:
- Polygamy appears to limit population divergence in shorebirds, acting as a brake on speciation rather than an engine.
- Increased dispersal associated with polygamy facilitates gene flow, reducing the potential for diversification.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the interplay of sexual selection, dispersal, and diversification.
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