Supergene Controls Color Patterns in Heliconius Butterflies
Author Information
Author(s): Mathieu Joron, Riccardo Papa, Margarita Beltrán, Nicolas Chamberlain, Jesús Mavárez, Simon Baxter, Moisés Abanto, Eldredge Bermingham, Sean J. Humphray, Jane Rogers, Helen Beasley, Karen Barlow, Richard H. ffrench-Constant, James Mallet, W. Owen McMillan, Chris D. Jiggins
Primary Institution: Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh
Hypothesis
Are similar developmental genetic mechanisms involved in both convergent and divergent evolution of butterfly color patterns?
Conclusion
A conserved genomic region controls diverse wing patterns and mimicry in different Heliconius butterfly species.
Supporting Evidence
- A genetic linkage map showed that the Yb locus in Heliconius melpomene is located at the same genomic position as the Cr locus in H. erato.
- The same genomic region acts as a supergene in H. numata, controlling multiple morphs.
- Adaptive evolution can occur through repeated involvement of the same genomic regions.
Takeaway
This study found that a specific part of the butterfly's DNA helps control their wing colors and patterns, which can change based on their environment.
Methodology
Genetic linkage mapping was used to identify loci controlling color patterns in three Heliconius species.
Limitations
The homology of the loci in the three species could not be confirmed at this stage.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.002
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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