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Complex introgression among three diverged largemouth bass lineages.
Katherine Silliman1, Honggang Zhao2, Megan Justice1
1School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences Auburn University Auburn Alabama USA.
Evolutionary Applications
|December 24, 2021
Summary
A new study reveals a distinct lineage of largemouth bass in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. This discovery reshapes understanding of black bass (Micropterus spp.) evolutionary history and hybridization patterns.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genetics
- Ichthyology
Background:
- Hybrid zones offer insights into speciation.
- Black basses (Micropterus spp.) exhibit natural and anthropogenic hybridization.
- An intergrade zone exists between northern Largemouth Bass (M. salmoides) and Florida Bass (M. floridanus).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary relationships of Mobile Delta bass populations.
- To determine if Delta bass represent a distinct lineage.
- To analyze hybridization patterns among Micropterus lineages.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analyses using 8582 nuclear SNPs and ND2 mitochondrial gene.
- Development and application of a 73 diagnostic SNP panel for lineage screening.
- Genotyping of 881 samples from 52 sites using Agena MassARRAY.
Main Results:
- Mobile Delta bass populations represent a recently diverged lineage of Largemouth Bass.
- A new panel of 73 diagnostic SNPs accurately identifies three Micropterus lineages.
- Results necessitate a redrawing of native ranges for intergrade zones and M. floridanus.
Conclusions:
- Delta bass ancestry significantly contributes to the northern Largemouth Bass and Florida Bass intergrade zone.
- The findings indicate a more complex pattern of secondary contact and introgression in Micropterus.
- Implications for current fisheries management practices are significant.
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