Historic and contemporary hybridization of three Sphyrapicus sapsucker species

This study examined the rangewide genetic structure of three hybridizing woodpecker species (Sphyrapicus ruber, S. nuchalis, and S. varius), and hybridization at a S. nuchalis/S. varius hybrid zone in central Alberta. Mitochondrial DNA and nuclear Z-linked markers show high intraspecific population connectivity, and limited interspecific connectivity predominantly occurring in hybrid zones. We found evidence of a Haida Gwaii refugium for S. ruber and an east-west Pleistocene split for S. varius. Genetic data and Ecological Niche Modelling suggest these species diverged, not allopatrically as has long been assumed, but in sympatry with gene flow. Next-generation sequencing methods and traditional SNP analysis showed a well-established S. nuchalis/S. varius hybrid zone, with high rates of introgression, particularly in S. nuchalis. While hybridization in contact zones is extensive, movement of alleles out of the hybrid zone is limited. As such, plumage, behaviour, or ecology might also impact sapsucker speciation.

Authors

• Natola, Elizabeth May
• University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science

• gene flow
• hybridization
• mitochondrial DNA markers
• speciation
• species divergence
• Z-linked markers
• Sapsuckers -- Hybridization -- Research -- Canada
• Red-breasted sapsucker -- Hybridization -- Research
• Red-naped sapsucker -- Hybridization -- Research -- Alberta
• Yellow-bellied sapsucker -- Hybridization -- Research -- Alberta
• Isolating mechanisms
• Divergence (Biology)
• Mitochondrial DNA -- Analysis
• Evolutionary genetics

Identifier

hdl:10133/4848

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:opus.uleth.ca:10133/4848