Genome biogeography reveals the intraspecific spread of adaptive mutations for a complex trait.

ABSTRACT: Physiological novelties are often studied at macro-evolutionary scales such that their micro-evolutionary origins remain poorly understood. Here, we test the hypothesis that key components of a complex trait can evolve in isolation and later be combined by gene flow. We use C₄ photosynthesis as a study system, a derived physiology that increases plant productivity in warm, dry conditions. The grass Alloteropsis semialata includes C₄ and non-C₄ genotypes, with some populations using laterally acquired C₄ -adaptive loci, providing an outstanding system to track the spread of novel adaptive mutations. Using genome data from C₄ and non-C₄ A. semialata individuals spanning the species' range, we infer and date past migrations of

SUBMITTER: Olofsson JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6849575 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature