Divergence Time Estimation of Anopheles cruzii Species
Author Information
Author(s): Rona Luísa DP, Carvalho-Pinto Carlos J, Mazzoni Camila J, Peixoto Alexandre A
Primary Institution: Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ
Hypothesis
Is there still gene flow between the two sibling species of Anopheles cruzii, and what is their divergence time?
Conclusion
The study confirmed that Anopheles cruzii populations from two Brazilian localities represent two different sibling species that diverged between 1.1 and 3.6 million years ago.
Supporting Evidence
- The analysis revealed very high FST values and fixed differences between the two An. cruzii sibling species in all loci.
- No migration was detected in either direction between the two species.
- The estimated divergence time corresponds to significant climatic changes in the region.
Takeaway
Scientists studied two types of mosquitoes and found out they are actually two different species that have been apart for a very long time.
Methodology
A multilocus analysis using six different nuclear gene fragments was performed comparing two populations of An. cruzii.
Limitations
The divergence time estimates are based on mutation rates that are not directly known for Anopheles cruzii.
Participant Demographics
Mosquitoes captured from Florianópolis and Itaparica, Brazil.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0000
Confidence Interval
1.1 to 3.6 million years
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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