Strong Selection Against Early Generation Hybrids in Joshua Tree Hybrid Zone Not Explained by Pollinators Alone.

ABSTRACT: Coevolution frequently plays an important role in diversification, but the role of obligate pollination mutualisms in the maintenance of hybrid zones has rarely been investigated. Like most members of the genus Yucca, the two species of Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia and Yucca jaegeriana) are involved in a tightly coevolved mutualism with yucca moths. There is strong evidence of a history of coevolution between Joshua trees and their moth pollinators. We use a geographic clines approach in the Joshua tree hybrid zone to ask if selection by the moths may currently contribute to maintaining separation between these species. We compare genomic, phenotypic, and pollinator frequency clines to test whether pollinators maintain the hybrid zone or follow it as passive participa

SUBMITTER: Royer AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7264850 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature