RESUMO

Naupactus cervinus is a parthenogenetic weevil native to South America that is currently distributed worldwide. This flightless species is polyphagous and capable of modifying gene expression regimes for responding to stressful situations. Naupactus cervinus was first reported in the continental United States in 1879 and has rapidly colonized most of the world since. Previous studies suggested that an invader genotype successfully established even in areas of unsuitable environmental conditions. In the present work, we analyze mitochondrial and nuclear sequences from 71 individuals collected in 13 localities across three states in the southern US, in order to describe the genetic diversity in this area of introduction that has not yet been previously studied. Our results suggest that 97% of the samples carry the most prevalent invader genotype already reported, while the rest shows a close mitochondrial derivative. This would support the hypothesis of a general purpose genotype, with parthenogenesis and its associated lack of recombination maintaining the linkage of genetic variants capable of coping with adverse conditions and enlarging its geographical range. However, demographic advantages related to parthenogenetic reproduction as the main driver of geographic expansion (such as the foundation of a population with a single virgin female) cannot be ruled out. Given the historical introduction records and the prevalence of the invader genotype, it is possible that the continental US may act as a secondary source of introductions to other areas. We propose that both the parthenogenesis and scarce genetic variation in places of introduction may, in fact, be an asset that allows N. cervinus to thrive across a range of environmental conditions.

RESUMO

Successful invasive species can overcome or circumvent the potential genetic loss caused by an introduction bottleneck through a rapid population expansion and admixture from multiple introductions. We explore the genetic makeup and the timing of a species introduction to Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos archipelago. We investigate the presence of processes that can maintain genetic diversity in populations of the broad-nosed weevil Galapaganus howdenae howdenae. Analyses of combined genotypes for 8 microsatellite loci showed evidence of past population size reductions through moment and likelihood-based estimators. No evidence of admixture through multiple introductions was found, but substantial current population sizes (N0 298, 95% credible limits 50-2300), genetic diversity comparable with long-established endemics (Mean number of alleles = 3.875), and lack of genetic structure across the introduced range (F ST = 0.01359) could suggest that foundations are in place for populations to rapidly recover any loss of genetic variability. The time estimates for the introduction into Santa Cruz support an accidental transfer during the colonization period (1832-1959) predating the spurt in human population growth. Our evaluation of the genetic status of G. h. howdenae suggests potential for population growth in addition to our field observations of a concurrent expansion in range and feeding preferences towards protected areas and endemic host plants.

Assuntos

Fluxo Gênico/genética , Espécies Introduzidas , Gorgulhos/genética , Animais , DNA Mitocondrial/genética , Demografia , Equador , Variação Genética , Genética Populacional , Genótipo , Técnicas de Genotipagem , Repetições de Microssatélites/genética , Densidade Demográfica , Dinâmica Populacional , Crescimento Demográfico

RESUMO

The challenge of maintaining genetic diversity within populations can be exacerbated for island endemics if they display population dynamics and behavioral attributes that expose them to genetic drift without the benefits of gene flow. We assess patterns of the genetic structure and demographic history in 27 populations of 9 species of flightless endemic Galápagos weevils from 9 of the islands and 1 winged introduced close relative. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA reveals a significant population structure and moderately variable, though demographically stable, populations for lowland endemics (F(ST) = 0.094-0.541; π: 0.014-0.042; Mismatch P = 0.003-0.026; and D((Tajima)) = -0.601 to 1.203), in contrast to signals of past contractions and expansions in highland specialists on 2 islands (Mismatch P = 0.003-0.026 and D((Tajima)) = -0.601 to 1.203). We interpret this series of variable and highly structured population groups as a system of long-established, independently founded island units, where structuring could be a signal of microallopatric differentiation due to patchy host plant distribution and poor dispersal abilities. We suggest that the severe reduction and subsequent increase of a suitably moist habitat that accompanied past climatic variation could have contributed to the observed population fluctuations in highland specialists. We propose the future exploration of hybridization between the introduced and highland endemic species on Santa Cruz, especially given the expansion of the introduced species into the highlands, the sensitivity to past climatic variation detected in highland populations, and the potentially threatened state of single-island endemics.

Assuntos

Migração Animal/fisiologia , Demografia , Ecossistema , Variação Genética , Genética Populacional , Gorgulhos/genética , Análise de Variância , Animais , Sequência de Bases , DNA Mitocondrial/genética , Equador , Funções Verossimilhança , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Densidade Demográfica , Dinâmica Populacional , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Especificidade da Espécie

RESUMO

The neotropical genus Dichroplus and related genera are characterized by a relatively uniform external morphology and a remarkably divergent male genitalia and hence its taxonomy is controversial. It also shows an extreme karyotypic diversification. In this study we used molecular and morphological characters to test the monophyly of the genus and to evaluate chromosome evolution. Twenty-seven species from Dichroplus and related genera were included in the analysis. Morphological characters refer to the general morphology, male genitalia and female structures. Molecular studies were performed, sequencing part of two mitochondrial genes, cytochrome oxidase I and II. Independent and combined phylogenetic analyses of the data were performed under maximum parsimony. The karyotypic characters (rearrangements) were either mapped onto the combined topology or combined with the other data sets. While the molecular analysis confirms some results attained with morphology, some others do not. All point towards the paraphyly of the genus. Our results show the relevance of morphological data in phylogenetic studies because morphology and molecules supply complementary evidence. The mapping of chromosome characters on the combined tree shows that the most extreme karyotype, in D. silveiraguidoi, is a derived condition, probably reached through several centric fusions, and that X-autosome centric fusions were recurrently fixed during the evolution of the group.