Contrasting patterns of polymorphism and divergence on the Z chromosome and autosomes in two Ficedula flycatcher species.

ABSTRACT: In geographic areas where pied and collared flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca and F. albicollis) breed in sympatry, hybridization occurs, leading to gene flow (introgression) between the two recently diverged species. Notably, while such introgression is observable at autosomal loci it is apparently absent at the Z chromosome, suggesting an important role for genes on the Z chromosome in creating reproductive isolation during speciation. To further understand the role of Z-linked loci in the formation of new species, we studied genetic variation of the two species from regions where they live in allopatry. We analyzed patterns of polymorphism and divergence in introns from 9 Z-linked and 23 autosomal genes in pied and collared flycatcher males. Average variation on the Z chromosome is greatl

SUBMITTER: Borge T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1456110 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature