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Mitochondrial Ecophysiology: Assessing the Evolutionary Forces That Shape Mitochondrial Variation.

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Mitonuclear species concept challenges remain. Atlantic killifish studies reveal secondary contact and adaptive evolution shape mitochondrial clines, with limited evidence for widespread mitonuclear incompatibilities.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genomics
  • Speciation

Background:

  • The mitonuclear species concept posits nuclear-mitochondrial incompatibilities drive speciation.
  • Testing this concept is challenging due to reliance on mitochondrial DNA data and confounding factors like secondary contact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the roles of neutral processes, adaptive evolution, and mitonuclear incompatibilities in shaping mitochondrial clines.
  • To use Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) as a model system to disentangle these evolutionary forces.

Main Methods:

  • Population genomic analyses of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes.
  • Studies of mitochondrial function.
  • Analysis of genetic variation across subspecies contact zones.

Main Results:

  • Strong evidence for secondary contact post-glaciation shaping a steep mitochondrial cline.
  • Evidence for adaptive evolution influencing traits from organismal to mitochondrial function.
  • Limited evidence for pervasive mitonuclear incompatibilities; polygenic selection suggested as an alternative explanation.

Conclusions:

  • Multiple evolutionary forces interact to shape mitochondrial clines.
  • Disentangling the relative contributions of secondary contact, adaptive evolution, and mitonuclear incompatibilities is complex.
  • Polygenic selection may play a significant role in observed genetic patterns.