Natural hybridization,which often occurs between closely related species exhibiting sympatric or parapatric distributions,is an important source of genetic variation within populations.The closely related Jankowski’s...Natural hybridization,which often occurs between closely related species exhibiting sympatric or parapatric distributions,is an important source of genetic variation within populations.The closely related Jankowski’s Bunting(Emberiza jankowskii)and Meadow Bunting(E.cioides)are similar in morphology and genetics,occupy overlapping niches,and are sympatric in eastern Inner Mongolia.Previous studies have reported trans-species polymorphisms of alleles between the two species,as well as an unexpectedly high genetic diversity of the endangered E.jankowskii.We speculate that introgressive hybridization has occurred between the two species and contributed to the additional unexpected variation to E.jankowskii.We used mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2(ND2)gene and 15 nuclear microsatellite markers to compare the genetic diversity of E.jankowskii and E.cioides,and inferred the origin of trans-species polymorphisms between the two species by phylogenetic reconstruction and Bayesian cluster analysis.The two species could be clearly distinguished by population cluster analysis.Despite the large number of mutational differences,we still detected sharing of major haplotypes and the presence of hybrids between the two species.Our study confirmed that weak introgressive hybridization has occurred between sympatric E.jankowskii and E.cioides,which may be mediated by female E.cioides individuals,and that interspecific introgression has contributed to the maintenance of high genetic diversity in E.jankowskii.While being wary of the potential negative effects of introgressive hybridization,we suggest that expanding the habitat of E.jankowskii remains the most effective conservation strategy at present.展开更多
Background:The Rufous-backed Bunting,Emberiza jankowskii,is an endangered species that is primarily distributed in Inner Mongolia,China.The main threats to the continued persistence of this species are habitat loss an...Background:The Rufous-backed Bunting,Emberiza jankowskii,is an endangered species that is primarily distributed in Inner Mongolia,China.The main threats to the continued persistence of this species are habitat loss and degradation.However,the impact of population loss on genetic diversity remains unclear.To support future conservation and management efforts,we assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of E.jankowskii using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites.Methods:Blood samples were collected from 7-8-day-old nestlings in Inner Mongolia,China between May and August of 2012 and 2013.Mitochondrial DNA sequences and microsatellite markers were used to assess the genetic diversity,genetic structure and inbreeding of E.jankowskii.The results of genetic diversity and inbreeding were compared to other avian species.Results:We found an unexpectedly high level of genetic diversity in terms of mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite compared to other avian species.However,there were high levels of gene flow and minimal genetic structuring,among the fragmented breeding populations of E.jankowskii in Inner Mongolia.These findings suggest that E.jankowskii in Inner Mongolia is a metapopulation.Despite the high genetic diversity of E.jankowskii,local populations in each small patch remain at risk of extinction due to habitat loss.In addition,the E.jankowskii population has a high risk of inbreeding.Conclusions:To minimize further loss of genetic diversity of this endangered species,we suggest that the E.jankowskii in Inner Mongolia should be considered as a protected species for management purposes.Conservation efforts should concentrate on E.jankowskii habitat management.This may be most effectively achieved by protecting the current breeding habitats and prohibiting over-grazing.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.31601856 and 31670398)。
文摘Natural hybridization,which often occurs between closely related species exhibiting sympatric or parapatric distributions,is an important source of genetic variation within populations.The closely related Jankowski’s Bunting(Emberiza jankowskii)and Meadow Bunting(E.cioides)are similar in morphology and genetics,occupy overlapping niches,and are sympatric in eastern Inner Mongolia.Previous studies have reported trans-species polymorphisms of alleles between the two species,as well as an unexpectedly high genetic diversity of the endangered E.jankowskii.We speculate that introgressive hybridization has occurred between the two species and contributed to the additional unexpected variation to E.jankowskii.We used mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2(ND2)gene and 15 nuclear microsatellite markers to compare the genetic diversity of E.jankowskii and E.cioides,and inferred the origin of trans-species polymorphisms between the two species by phylogenetic reconstruction and Bayesian cluster analysis.The two species could be clearly distinguished by population cluster analysis.Despite the large number of mutational differences,we still detected sharing of major haplotypes and the presence of hybrids between the two species.Our study confirmed that weak introgressive hybridization has occurred between sympatric E.jankowskii and E.cioides,which may be mediated by female E.cioides individuals,and that interspecific introgression has contributed to the maintenance of high genetic diversity in E.jankowskii.While being wary of the potential negative effects of introgressive hybridization,we suggest that expanding the habitat of E.jankowskii remains the most effective conservation strategy at present.
基金financed by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.31601856 and 31670398)。
文摘Background:The Rufous-backed Bunting,Emberiza jankowskii,is an endangered species that is primarily distributed in Inner Mongolia,China.The main threats to the continued persistence of this species are habitat loss and degradation.However,the impact of population loss on genetic diversity remains unclear.To support future conservation and management efforts,we assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of E.jankowskii using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites.Methods:Blood samples were collected from 7-8-day-old nestlings in Inner Mongolia,China between May and August of 2012 and 2013.Mitochondrial DNA sequences and microsatellite markers were used to assess the genetic diversity,genetic structure and inbreeding of E.jankowskii.The results of genetic diversity and inbreeding were compared to other avian species.Results:We found an unexpectedly high level of genetic diversity in terms of mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite compared to other avian species.However,there were high levels of gene flow and minimal genetic structuring,among the fragmented breeding populations of E.jankowskii in Inner Mongolia.These findings suggest that E.jankowskii in Inner Mongolia is a metapopulation.Despite the high genetic diversity of E.jankowskii,local populations in each small patch remain at risk of extinction due to habitat loss.In addition,the E.jankowskii population has a high risk of inbreeding.Conclusions:To minimize further loss of genetic diversity of this endangered species,we suggest that the E.jankowskii in Inner Mongolia should be considered as a protected species for management purposes.Conservation efforts should concentrate on E.jankowskii habitat management.This may be most effectively achieved by protecting the current breeding habitats and prohibiting over-grazing.
