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Mosaic genome evolution in a recent and rapid avian radiation
Katherine Faust Stryjewski1, Michael D Sorenson2
1Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. stryjewski@fas.harvard.edu.
Nature Ecology & Evolution
|November 1, 2017
Summary
Ancestral genetic variation aids rapid diversification in munia finches. Recombination of these ancestral alleles across key genes drives the evolution of new species and traits.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genomics
- Ornithology
Background:
- Ancestral genetic variation and hybridization can drive rapid diversification, especially in ecological traits.
- The role of ancestral variation in the evolution of species recognition traits during explosive radiations is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of ancestral genetic variation in the diversification of munia finches (genus Lonchura).
- Examine genomic regions distinguishing sympatric species to understand evolutionary mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide data analysis for 11 munia species from Australia and Papua New Guinea.
- Phylogenetic analysis of discordant genomic regions, including autosomal, sex-linked, and mitochondrial DNA.
- Identification of divergent autosomal regions overlapping known color genes.
Main Results:
- Genomic regions distinguishing sympatric munia species show discordant phylogenetic histories.
- Significant autosomal introgression was observed between sympatric species.
- A small number of divergent autosomal regions, including those near color genes (ASIP, EDN3, IGSF11, KITLG, MC1R, SOX10), were identified.
Conclusions:
- Recombination of ancestral genetic variation across multiple loci is a key mechanism for generating phenotypic novelty and diversity in munias.
- This process facilitates rapid diversification, particularly in the evolution of species recognition traits.
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