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Systematics of Lepidothrix manakins (Aves: Passeriformes: Pipridae) using RADcap markers
Andre E Moncrieff1, Brant C Faircloth1, Robb T Brumfield1
1Department of Biological Sciences and Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
|May 16, 2022
Summary
Phylogenetic analysis of Lepidothrix manakins using RADcap data clarifies species boundaries. This research suggests splitting Blue-capped Manakin (Lepidothrix coronata) into two species, L. coronata and L. velutina, separated by the Andes.
Area of Science:
- Ornithology
- Molecular Phylogenetics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have improved understanding of Lepidothrix manakins but left some evolutionary relationships unresolved.
- Specifically, the placement of Lepidothrix coronata and the relationships within the L. nattereri + L. vilasboasi + L. iris clade require further investigation due to low or conflicting support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct the first subspecies-level phylogeny for the genus Lepidothrix using restriction site-associated DNA (RADcap) sequencing.
- To clarify the evolutionary relationships within Lepidothrix, particularly the status of L. coronata and the L. nattereri + L. vilasboasi + L. iris clade.
- To assess species boundaries and potential hybridization events within the genus.
Main Methods:
- Restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADcap) was employed to gather genetic data from 17 of 18 recognized Lepidothrix subspecies.
- Extensive geographic sampling of the widespread and variable L. coronata was included.
- Phylogenetic analyses utilized concatenated and coalescent-based methods, including SNAPP.
Main Results:
- Strong support was found for the monophyly and phylogenetic position of L. coronata.
- Two distinct clades, separated by the Andes, were resolved for L. coronata, suggesting the presence of two biological species: Velvety Manakin (L. velutina) west of the Andes and Blue-capped Manakin (L. coronata) east of the Andes.
- Relationships within the L. nattereri + L. vilasboasi + L. iris clade remained poorly resolved, likely due to extensive allele sharing.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the recognition of two distinct species within the L. coronata complex: L. velutina and L. coronata.
- Hybridization between L. coronata and L. suavissima is rare, with postmating barriers preventing successful backcrossing.
- Further research may be needed to fully resolve the complex relationships within the L. nattereri + L. vilasboasi + L. iris clade.
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