Origins of asexuality in Bryobia mites (Acari: Tetranychidae).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Obligate asexual reproduction is rare in the animal kingdom. Generally, asexuals are considered evolutionary dead ends that are unable to radiate. The phytophagous mite genus Bryobia contains a large number of asexual species. In this study, we investigate the origin and evolution of asexuality using samples from 111 populations in Europe, South Africa and the United States, belonging to eleven Bryobia species. We also examine intraspecific clonal diversity for one species, B. kissophila, by genotyping individuals from 61 different populations. Knowledge on the origin of asexuality and on clonal diversity can contribute to our understanding of the paradox of sex.

Results

The majority (94%) of 111 sampled populations reproduces asexually. Analysis of part of nuclea

SUBMITTER: Ros VI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2426695 | biostudies-literature | 2008 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature