First evidence of introgressive hybridization of apple snails (Pomacea spp.) in their native range.

ABSTRACT: Genetic variation facilitates both natural range expansions and anthropogenic invasions. Contrary to expectations, hybridization does not always impact negatively on biodiversity. Increasing evidence indicates advantageous roles for introgressive hybridization in maintaining standing genetic variation. Hypothesizing that hybridization may contribute to the evolutionary and invasive success of a diverse group of freshwater snails (Ampullariidae, commonly known as apple snails), we estimated the frequency of hybridization between two globally invasive species of Pomacea, Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1822) and P. maculata Perry, 1810, in their native range. While previous work in Asia has uncovered the occurrence of extensive hybridization, we provide the first phylogen

SUBMITTER: Glasheen PM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7182095 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature