Divergent and non-parallel evolution of MHC IIB in the Neotropical Midas cichlid species complex.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ecological diversification is the result of divergent natural selection by contrasting habitat characteristics that favours the evolution of distinct phenotypes. This process can happen in sympatry and in allopatry. Habitat-specific parasite communities have the potential to drive diversification among host populations by imposing selective pressures on their host's immune system. In particular, the hyperdiverse genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are implicated in parasite-mediated host divergence. Here, we studied the extent of divergence at MHC, and discuss how it may have contributed to the Nicaraguan Midas cichlid species complex diversification, one of the most convincing examples of rapid sympatric parallel speciation.

Results

We genotyped t

SUBMITTER: Bracamonte SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8974093 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature