Publication
Title
Whole-genome sequences of Malawi cichlids reveal multiple radiations interconnected by gene flow
Author
Abstract
The hundreds of cichlid fish species in Lake Malawi constitute the most extensive recent vertebrate adaptive radiation. Here we characterize its genomic diversity by sequencing 134 individuals covering 73 species across all major lineages. The average sequence divergence between species pairs is only 0.1-0.25%. These divergence values overlap diversity within species, with 82% of heterozygosity shared between species. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that diversification initially proceeded by serial branching from a generalist Astatotilapia-like ancestor. However, no single species tree adequately represents all species relationships, with evidence for substantial gene flow at multiple times. Common signatures of selection on visual and oxygen transport genes shared by distantly related deep-water species point to both adaptive introgression and independent selection. These findings enhance our understanding of genomic processes underlying rapid species diversification, and provide a platform for future genetic analysis of the Malawi radiation.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Nature Ecology & Evolution. - [S.l.]
Publication
[S.l.] : Nature publishing group , 2018
ISSN
2397-334X
DOI
10.1038/S41559-018-0717-X
Volume/pages
2 :12 (2018) , p. 1940-1955
ISI
000450904100022
Pubmed ID
30455444
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 18.01.2019
Last edited 02.10.2024
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