Genomic islands of differentiation in two songbird species reveal candidate genes for hybrid female sterility.

ABSTRACT: Hybrid sterility is a common first step in the evolution of postzygotic reproductive isolation. According to Haldane's Rule, it affects predominantly the heterogametic sex. While the genetic basis of hybrid male sterility in organisms with heterogametic males has been studied for decades, the genetic basis of hybrid female sterility in organisms with heterogametic females has received much less attention. We investigated the genetic basis of reproductive isolation in two closely related avian species, the common nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) and the thrush nightingale (L. luscinia), that hybridize in a secondary contact zone and produce viable hybrid progeny. In accordance with Haldane's Rule, hybrid females are sterile, while hybrid males are fertile, allowing gene flow to occur bet

SUBMITTER: Morkovsky L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5878113 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature