Chromosomal inversions, natural selection and adaptation in the malaria vector Anopheles funestus.

ABSTRACT: Chromosomal polymorphisms, such as inversions, are presumably involved in the rapid adaptation of populations to local environmental conditions. Reduced recombination between alternative arrangements in heterozygotes may protect sets of locally adapted genes, promoting ecological divergence and potentially leading to reproductive isolation and speciation. Through a comparative analysis of chromosomal inversions and microsatellite marker polymorphisms, we hereby present biological evidence that strengthens this view in the mosquito Anopheles funestus s.s, one of the most important and widespread malaria vectors in Africa. Specimens were collected across a wide range of geographical, ecological, and climatic conditions in Cameroon. We observed a sharp contrast between population structure me

SUBMITTER: Ayala D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3002248 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature