Genomic signatures of rapid local selection and introgression drive adaptive phylogeography in the European river skater.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cycle of glacial contraction and postglacial expansion in widespread European organisms, as inferred from neutral genetic markers, has led to classic phylogeographic divergence and a primarily latitudinal gradient in genetic diversity. However, the relative contribution of adaptive loci, compared to neutral loci, in shaping complex phylogeographic patterns remains poorly understood.

Results

We generated extensive genomic datasets for the widespread European species Aquarius najas and its relatives (Aquarius cinereus and Aquarius ventralis), sampled across their entire European distribution. Our results revealed that A. najas is divided into northern and southern lineages, driven in part by major biogeographical barriers in Europe through neutral processes. Additio

SUBMITTER: Liu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12918524 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature