Does divergence from normal patterns of integration increase as chromosomal fusions increase in number? A test on a house mouse hybrid zone.

ABSTRACT: Chromosomal evolution is widely considered an important driver of speciation because it can promote the establishment of reproductive barriers. Karyotypic reorganization is also expected to affect the mean phenotype, as well as its development and patterns of phenotypic integration, through processes such as variation in genetic linkage between quantitative trait loci or between regulatory regions and their targets. Here we explore the relationship between chromosomal evolution and phenotypic integration by analyzing a well-known house mouse parapatric contact zone between a highly derived Robertsonian (Rb) race (2n = 22) and populations with standard karyotype (2n = 40). Populations with hybrid karyotypes are scattered throughout the hybrid zone connecting the two parental r

SUBMITTER: Fruciano C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7705516 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature