Genome-wide markers reveal a complex evolutionary history involving divergence and introgression in the Abert's squirrel (Sciurus aberti) species group.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Genetic introgression between divergent lineages is now considered more common than previously appreciated, with potentially important consequences for adaptation and speciation. Introgression is often asymmetric between populations and patterns can vary for different types of loci (nuclear vs. organellar), complicating phylogeographic reconstruction. The taxonomy of the ecologically specialized Abert's squirrel species group has been controversial, and previous studies based on mitochondrial data have not fully resolved the evolutionary relationships among populations. Moreover, while these studies identified potential areas of secondary contact between divergent lineages, the possibility for introgression has not been tested.

Results

We used RAD-seq to unravel t

SUBMITTER: Bono JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6134581 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature