Phenotypic and genotypic parallel evolution in parapatric ecotypes of Senecio.


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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.

Publication Date
2021-12
Online Publication Date
2021-11-08
Acceptance Date
2021-10-12
Keywords
Adaptation, multivariate divergence, natural selection, plant architecture, population genetics, replicated evolution, Australia, Ecotype, Genotype, Phenotype, Senecio
Journal Title
Evolution
Journal ISSN
1558-5646
1558-5646
Volume Title
Publisher
Wiley