Open AccessIntrogression between Sphyrapicus nuchalis and S. varius sapsuckers in a hybrid zone in west‐central Alberta
Author(s) -
Natola Libby,
Curtis Ashley,
Hudon Jocelyn,
Burg Theresa M.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of avian biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.022
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1600-048X
pISSN - 0908-8857
DOI - 10.1111/jav.02717
Subject(s) - biology , introgression , hybrid zone , hybrid , backcrossing , plumage , genetic algorithm , ecology , zoology , evolutionary biology , gene flow , genetics , gene , genetic variation , botany
Studying species interactions at hybrid zones allows biologists to understand the forces that promote speciation. Hybridization among Sphyrapicus nuchalis , S. varius and S. ruber has long been acknowledged, and hybrid zones between S. nuchalis / S. ruber and S. varius / S. ruber have been characterized with both genetic and genomic data. Using a combination of next‐generation restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐Seq) and traditional genetic methods, we examined patterns of introgression in the poorly characterized S. nuchalis / S. varius contact zone; the two most similar species in the complex, though they are not each other's closest relatives. We found high introgression rates, with several early and many advanced generation hybrids along a 275 km stretch of Rocky Mountain foothill, pointing to a well‐established hybrid zone with hybrid individuals backcrossing with individuals from the parental species and each other. Plumage colouration in the hybrid zone was a relatively poor indicator of parental or hybrid status, which could be attributed to the possible involvement of few large effect genes.