Whole Genome Sequencing Reveals How Plasticity and Genetic Differentiation Underlie Sympatric Morphs of Arctic Charr.

ABSTRACT: Salmonids have a remarkable ability to form sympatric morphs after postglacial colonisation of freshwater lakes. These morphs often differ in morphology, feeding and spawning behaviour. Here, we explored the genetic basis of morph differentiation in Arctic charr (n = 283) by first establishing a high-quality reference genome and then using this in whole genome sequencing of distinct morphs present in two Norwegian and two Icelandic lakes. The four lakes represent the spectrum of genetic differentiation between morphs from one lake with no genetic differentiation between morphs, implying phenotypic plasticity, to two lakes with locus-specific genetic differentiation, implying incomplete reproductive isolation, and one lake with strong genome-wide divergence consistent with complete reproduc

SUBMITTER: Kurta K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12456120 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature