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Selection for background matching drives sympatric speciation in Wall Gecko
Domenico Fulgione1, Maria Buglione2, Daniela Rippa2
1Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cupa Nuova Cinthia 26, 80126, Naples, Italy. fulgione@unina.it.
Scientific Reports
|February 6, 2019
Summary
Diurnal and nocturnal wall geckos exhibit distinct colorations and habitats, suggesting early stages of speciation. Their differing selection pressures and niche adherence indicate a path toward ecological speciation.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Herpetology
- Genomics
Background:
- Wall geckos display varied color patterns influenced by time of day and habitat.
- Nocturnal geckos are pale and wall-dwelling, while diurnal geckos are dark and arboreal.
- These morphs represent extremes of an ecological cline with potential for divergent selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the incipient speciation between diurnal and nocturnal wall gecko populations.
- Analyze the genetic and ecological factors driving differentiation.
- Determine if ecological segregation contributes to speciation.
Main Methods:
- Genetic characterization to confirm species identity.
- Analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) coding genes and neutral genetic markers.
- Experimental assessment of niche adherence and predation pressure.
Main Results:
- Geckos confirmed as a single species, but diurnal and nocturnal populations show genetic divergence in mtDNA.
- Nocturnal geckos appear under balancing selection, diurnal geckos under positive selection.
- Gecko populations maintain distinct diurnal/nocturnal niches, driven by predation and camouflage.
Conclusions:
- Ecological segregation between diurnal and nocturnal geckos is significant.
- Divergent selection and niche adherence contribute to incipient speciation.
- The observed patterns support a hypothesis of ecological speciation in wall geckos.
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