No genomic repercussions of assortative pairing in a colour polymorphic lizard. (28th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aguilar, Prem; Andrade, Pedro; Afonso, Sandra; Carretero, Miguel Á.; Pérez i de Lanuza, Guillem; Pinho, Catarina
• Is Part Of: Journal of evolutionary biology. Volume 35:Number 4(2022)
• Page Start: 648
• Page End: 656
• Publication Date: 2022-02-28
• Subjects: assortative pairing -- colour morphs -- ddRAD -- Lacertidae -- Podarcis muralis; Evolution (Biology) -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; 576.8
• DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13990
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1010-061X

Abstract

Abstract: Long‐term maintenance of colour polymorphisms often depends on the interplay of multiple selective forces. In the common wall lizard ( Podarcis muralis ), up to three pure and two mosaic ventral colour morphs co‐exist across most of its range. Available evidence suggests that colour morphs in this species are maintained through the interaction between sexual and environment‐dependent selection. In particular, colour‐assortative pairing has been recorded, suggesting some degree of assortative mating. Here, we combined reduced‐representation sequencing (ddRADseq) and fine‐scale distribution data to explore the effects of assortative pairing on the common wall lizard. Overall, our results do not support any population structure ( F ST = 0 and K = 1) nor a significant effect of colour morph or geographic location on genomic differentiation. Therefore, we argue that assortative pairing may not fully translate into assortative mating and genomic differentiation between colour morphs and discuss possible explanations. Nonetheless, we find potential support for an elevated population size and/or source‐sink dynamics and debate the potential contribution of other forms of selection to the maintenance of colour polymorphisms in lacertids. Abstract : The role of color‐assortative pairing in the maintenance of color polymorphisms remains elusive in many species. Using genome‐wide data we show that color morphs from a natural population of Podarcis muralis are not genetically structured.