Genomic hotspots for adaptation: the population genetics of Mullerian mimicry in Heliconius erato.

ABSTRACT: Wing pattern evolution in Heliconius butterflies provides some of the most striking examples of adaptation by natural selection. The genes controlling pattern variation are classic examples of Mendelian loci of large effect, where allelic variation causes large and discrete phenotypic changes and is responsible for both convergent and highly divergent wing pattern evolution across the genus. We characterize nucleotide variation, genotype-by-phenotype associations, linkage disequilibrium (LD), and candidate gene expression patterns across two unlinked genomic intervals that control yellow and red wing pattern variation among mimetic forms of Heliconius erato. Despite very strong natural selection on color pattern, we see neither a strong reduction in genetic diversity nor evidence for exten

SUBMITTER: Counterman BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2816678 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature