A speciation gene for left–right reversal in snails results in anti-predator adaptation

Masaki Hoso (), Yuichi Kameda, Shu-Ping Wu, Takahiro Asami, Makoto Kato and Michio Hori
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Masaki Hoso: Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University
Yuichi Kameda: Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University
Shu-Ping Wu: Taipei Municipal University of Education
Takahiro Asami: Shinshu University
Makoto Kato: Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University
Michio Hori: Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University

Nature Communications, 2010, vol. 1, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract How speciation genes can spread in a population is poorly understood. In land snails, a single gene for left–right reversal could be responsible for instant speciation, because dextral and sinistral snails have difficulty in mating. However, the traditional two-locus speciation model predicts that a mating disadvantage for the reversal should counteract this speciation. In this study, we show that specialized snake predation of the dextral majority drives prey speciation by reversal. Our experiments demonstrate that sinistral Satsuma snails (Stylommatophora: Camaenidae) survive predation by Pareas iwasakii (Colubroidea: Pareatidae). Worldwide biogeography reveals that stylommatophoran snail speciation by reversal has been accelerated in the range of pareatid snakes, especially in snails that gain stronger anti-snake defense and reproductive isolation from dextrals by sinistrality. Molecular phylogeny of Satsuma snails further provides intriguing evidence of repetitive speciation under snake predation. Our study demonstrates that a speciation gene can be fixed in populations by positive pleiotropic effects on survival.

Date: 2010
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1133

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