Genetic linkage of ecological specialization and reproductive isolation in pea aphids

David J. Hawthorne and Sara Via ()
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David J. Hawthorne: University of Maryland
Sara Via: University of Maryland

Nature, 2001, vol. 412, issue 6850, 904-907

Abstract: Abstract The evolution of ecological specialization generates biological diversity and may lead to speciation1,2,3. Genetic architecture can either speed or retard this process. If resource use and mate choice have a common genetic basis through pleiotropy or close linkage, the resulting genetic correlations can promote the joint evolution of specialization and reproductive isolation, facilitating speciation4,5,6. Here we present a model of the role of genetic correlations in specialization and speciation, and test it by analysing the genetic architecture of key traits in two highly specialized host races of the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum pisum; Hemiptera : Aphididae). We found several complexes of pleiotropic or closely linked quantitative trait loci (QTL) that affect key traits in ways that would promote speciation: QTL with antagonistic effects on performance on the two hosts are linked to QTL that produce asortative mating (through habitat choice). This type of genetic architecture may be common in taxa that have speciated under divergent natural selection.

Date: 2001
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DOI: 10.1038/35091062

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