Identification of two genes causing reinforcement in the Texas wildflower Phlox drummondii

Robin Hopkins () and Mark D. Rausher ()
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Robin Hopkins: Box 90338, Duke University
Mark D. Rausher: Box 90338, Duke University

Nature, 2011, vol. 469, issue 7330, 411-414

Abstract: The blooming of a species Speciation, the accumulation of traits that prevent successful mating between populations, is a major source of biotic diversity. Most of the traits involved are by-products of adaptations that occur while species diverge in geographic isolation, but natural selection also acts directly to reduce mating between incipient species through a process called reinforcement. The genes involved in the evolution of one particular reinforcement trait have now been identified. A colour shift in the native Texas wildflower Phlox drummondii occurs in response to selection against hybridization with a closely related species. Dark-red flowers emerge (produced by the possible allelic combinations) as a result of mutations in two genes associated with synthesis of anthocyanin pigments. This result indicates that the evolution of reinforcement traits may involve only a small number of genetic changes with relatively large effect. This reinforcement trait can also reduce fitness in hybrid offspring, thus further facilitating the process of speciation.

Date: 2011
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DOI: 10.1038/nature09641

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