The evolution of sensory divergence in the context of limited gene flow in the bumblebee bat

Sébastien J. Puechmaille (), Meriadeg Ar Gouilh, Piyathip Piyapan, Medhi Yokubol, Khin Mie Mie, Paul J. Bates, Chutamas Satasook, Tin Nwe, Si Si Hla Bu, Iain J. Mackie, Eric J. Petit and Emma C. Teeling ()
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Sébastien J. Puechmaille: School of Biology and Environmental Science & UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Meriadeg Ar Gouilh: Center of Excellence for Vector and Vector-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University at Salaya
Piyathip Piyapan: Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University
Medhi Yokubol: Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University
Khin Mie Mie: Yangon University
Paul J. Bates: Harrison Institute, Centre for Systematics and Biodiversity Research, Sevenoaks
Chutamas Satasook: Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University
Tin Nwe: Yangon University
Si Si Hla Bu: Hinthada University
Iain J. Mackie: Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Sustainability, Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen
Eric J. Petit: University Rennes 1/CNRS, UMR 6553 ECOBIO, Station Biologique
Emma C. Teeling: School of Biology and Environmental Science & UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.

Nature Communications, 2011, vol. 2, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract The sensory drive theory of speciation predicts that populations of the same species inhabiting different environments can differ in sensory traits, and that this sensory difference can ultimately drive speciation. However, even in the best-known examples of sensory ecology driven speciation, it is uncertain whether the variation in sensory traits is the cause or the consequence of a reduction in levels of gene flow. Here we show strong genetic differentiation, no gene flow and large echolocation differences between the allopatric Myanmar and Thai populations of the world's smallest mammal, Craseonycteris thonglongyai, and suggest that geographic isolation most likely preceded sensory divergence. Within the geographically continuous Thai population, we show that geographic distance has a primary role in limiting gene flow rather than echolocation divergence. In line with sensory-driven speciation models, we suggest that in C. thonglongyai, limited gene flow creates the suitable conditions that favour the evolution of sensory divergence via local adaptation.

Date: 2011
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1582

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