Introgression between Sphyrapicus nuchalis and S. varius sapsuckers in a hybrid zone in west‐central Alberta

Studying species interactions at hybrid zones allows biologists to understand the forces that promote speciation. Hybridization among Sphyrapicus nuchalis, S. varius and S. ruber has long been acknowledged, and hybrid zones between S. nuchalis/S. ruber and S. varius/S. ruber have been characterized...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of avian biology 2021-08, Vol.52 (8), p.n/a
Main Authors: Natola, Libby, Curtis, Ashley, Hudon, Jocelyn, Burg, Theresa M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Colour
DNA sequences
DNA sequencing
Genes
genotyping-by-sequencing
hybrid zone
Hybrid zones
Hybridization
Hybrids
introgression
Plumage
red-naped sapsucker
Speciation
Species
Sphyrapicus nuchalis
Sphyrapicus ruber
Sphyrapicus varius
yellow-bellied sapsucker
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Summary:Studying species interactions at hybrid zones allows biologists to understand the forces that promote speciation. Hybridization among Sphyrapicus nuchalis, S. varius and S. ruber has long been acknowledged, and hybrid zones between S. nuchalis/S. ruber and S. varius/S. ruber have been characterized with both genetic and genomic data. Using a combination of next‐generation restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐Seq) and traditional genetic methods, we examined patterns of introgression in the poorly characterized S. nuchalis/S. varius contact zone; the two most similar species in the complex, though they are not each other's closest relatives. We found high introgression rates, with several early and many advanced generation hybrids along a 275 km stretch of Rocky Mountain foothill, pointing to a well‐established hybrid zone with hybrid individuals backcrossing with individuals from the parental species and each other. Plumage colouration in the hybrid zone was a relatively poor indicator of parental or hybrid status, which could be attributed to the possible involvement of few large effect genes.
ISSN:0908-8857
1600-048X
DOI:10.1111/jav.02717