Divergent Selection on Opsins Drives Speciation in Cichlids
Author Information
Author(s): Yohey Terai, Norihiro Okada
Hypothesis
Does divergent selection on a visual system gene influence ecological adaptation and mate choice in cichlids?
Conclusion
The study shows that divergent selection on a gene affecting light sensitivity has driven rapid speciation in Lake Victoria cichlids.
Supporting Evidence
- The geological history of Lake Victoria allowed for the investigation of ecological speciation.
- Cichlids show a wide range of physical and behavioral traits due to adaptive radiation.
- Divergent selection on ecological traits can promote reproductive isolation.
- LWS alleles were fixed in populations based on their water transparency.
Takeaway
Cichlid fish in Lake Victoria are quickly evolving into new species because of differences in how they see light, which also affects who they choose to mate with.
Methodology
The authors sequenced hundreds of LWS alleles from four Lake Victoria cichlid species and measured their light-absorption range.
Limitations
The study does not address why all males haven't evolved red and yellow breeding coloration.
Participant Demographics
Four species of Lake Victoria cichlids were studied, each inhabiting different microhabitats.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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