Repository logo
 

Phenotypic and genotypic parallel evolution in parapatric ecotypes of Senecio.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Change log

Abstract

The independent and repeated adaptation of populations to similar environments often results in the evolution of similar forms. This phenomenon creates a strong correlation between phenotype and environment and is referred to as parallel evolution. However, we are still largely unaware of the dynamics of parallel evolution, as well as the interplay between phenotype and genotype within natural systems. Here, we examined phenotypic and genotypic parallel evolution in multiple parapatric Dune-Headland coastal ecotypes of an Australian wildflower, Senecio lautus. We observed a clear trait-environment association in the system, with all replicate populations having evolved along the same phenotypic evolutionary trajectory. Similar phenotypes have arisen via mutational changes occurring in different genes, although many share the same biological functions. Our results shed light on how replicated adaptation manifests at the phenotypic and genotypic levels within populations, and highlight S. lautus as one of the most striking cases of phenotypic parallel evolution in nature.

Description

Keywords

Adaptation, multivariate divergence, natural selection, plant architecture, population genetics, replicated evolution, Australia, Ecotype, Genotype, Phenotype, Senecio

Journal Title

Evolution

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0014-3820
1558-5646

Volume Title

Publisher

Wiley