Ever-Young Sex Chromosomes in European Tree Frogs
Author Information
Author(s): Stöck Matthias, Horn Agnès, Grossen Christine, Lindtke Dorothea, Sermier Roberto, Betto-Colliard Caroline, Dufresnes Christophe, Bonjour Emmanuel, Dumas Zoé, Luquet Emilien, Maddalena Tiziano, Sousa Helena Clavero, Martinez-Solano Iñigo, Perrin Nicolas
Primary Institution: Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
Hypothesis
Why are sex chromosomes so often homomorphic in cold-blooded vertebrates?
Conclusion
Sex-chromosome homomorphy in European tree frogs is maintained over evolutionary timescales by occasional X-Y recombination.
Supporting Evidence
- Phylogenetic analyses showed that Hyla arborea diverged from sister species around 5.4–7.1 million years ago.
- Sibship analyses revealed that all three species have the same pair of sex chromosomes.
- Despite the absence of male recombination, X and Y alleles show no differentiation and cluster by species.
Takeaway
The study found that European tree frogs have similar sex chromosomes that don't change much over time, thanks to some rare mixing of genes.
Methodology
The study used mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences to estimate divergence times and sibship analyses of microsatellite polymorphisms to investigate sex chromosome linkage.
Participant Demographics
The study involved 2,863 individuals from 111 family groups of European tree frogs.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.00001
Confidence Interval
95% HPDI 2.3 – 15.8 my
Statistical Significance
p<0.00001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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