Population Structure and Migration in Fence Lizard Hybrid Zone
Author Information
Author(s): Adam D. Leaché
Primary Institution: University of Washington
Hypothesis
How do population structure and gene flow operate in a hybrid zone between two species of lizards?
Conclusion
The study found that the hybrid zone consists of two populations with high gene flow and a divergence time dating back to the Pleistocene.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identified two populations in the hybrid zone based on multi-locus nuclear data.
- Gene flow was found to be high between the two populations.
- The divergence time between the populations was estimated to be around 158,000 years.
Takeaway
Scientists studied two types of lizards that mix in a special area, and they found that these lizards are still very much connected and share genes.
Methodology
The study used multi-locus nuclear data from 12 anonymous loci to estimate population structure and gene flow.
Limitations
The study's sampling scheme may not represent the entire geographic range of the lizard lineages, potentially violating assumptions of the isolation and migration model.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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