Open AccessCanid hybridization: contemporary evolution in human‐modified landscapes
Author(s) -
Stronen Astrid V.,
Tessier Nathalie,
Jolicoeur Hélène,
Paquet Paul C.,
Hénault Michel,
Villemure Mario,
Patterson Brent R.,
Sallows Tim,
Goulet Gloria,
Lapointe FrançoisJoseph
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.17
H-Index - 63
ISSN - 2045-7758
DOI - 10.1002/ece3.335
Subject(s) - allopatric speciation , sympatry , sympatric speciation , gray wolf , range (aeronautics) , biology , zoology , geography , ecology , evolutionary biology , canis , population , demography , materials science , composite material , sociology
Contemporary evolution through human‐induced hybridization occurs throughout the taxonomic range. Formerly allopatric species appear especially susceptible to hybridization. Consequently, hybridization is expected to be more common in regions with recent sympatry owing to human activity than in areas of historical range overlap. Coyotes ( C anis latrans ) and gray wolves ( C . lupus ) are historically sympatric in western North America. Following European settlement gray wolf range contracted, whereas coyote range expanded to include eastern North America. Furthermore, wolves with New World ( NW ) mitochondrial DNA (mt DNA ) haplotypes now extend from Manitoba to Québec in Canada and hybridize with gray wolves and coyotes. Using mt DNA and 12 microsatellite markers, we evaluated levels of wolf‐coyote hybridization in regions where coyotes were present (the Canadian Prairies, n = 109 samples) and absent historically (Québec, n = 154). Wolves with NW mt DNA extended from central Saskatchewan (51°N, 69°W) to northeastern Québec (54°N, 108°W). On the Prairies, 6.3% of coyotes and 9.2% of wolves had genetic profiles suggesting wolf‐coyote hybridization. In contrast, 12.6% of coyotes and 37.4% of wolves in Québec had profiles indicating hybrid origin. Wolves with NW and Old World ( C . lupus ) mt DNA appear to form integrated populations in both regions. Our results suggest that hybridization is more frequent in historically allopatric populations. Range shifts, now expected across taxa following climate change and other human influence on the environment, might therefore promote contemporary evolution by hybridization.