RESUMO
The neotropical region ranks third in the number of termites and includes five different families. Of these, Termitidae is the most diverse and includes the species Nasutitermes ephratae, which is widespread in the neotropics. To date, only one study has been published about phylogeography in neotropical termites (N. corniger). Here, we explored the population genetic patterns of N. ephratae and also evaluated the phylogeographical processes involved in the evolutionary history of the species. We used the mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA and COII as molecular markers: these were sequenced for 128 samples of N. ephratae. We estimated the genetic diversity and divergence time as well as the demography and genetic structure. We also performed an ancestral area reconstruction and a haplotype network. The results showed high genetic variability, recent demographic expansion, and strong genetic structure. A dispersal route for the species, that occurred in both directions between South and Central America, was inferred. The results emphasize a temporary separation between the South and Central America populations that affected the origin of the current Central America populations. These populations were formed from different phylogeographic histories.
Assuntos
Isópteros , Animais , Evolução Biológica , DNA Mitocondrial/genética , Variação Genética , Genética Populacional , Humanos , Isópteros/genética , Filogenia , Filogeografia , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genéticaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The Neotropical Region is known for its biodiversity and ranks third in number of known termite species. However, biogeographic and phylogeographic information of termites of this region is limited compared to other world geographic regions. Nasutitermes corniger is widely distributed in the region and is of considerable economic importance. The goal of this study was to describe the phylogeography of N. corniger in the Neotropical Region, to better understand its evolutionary processes. RESULTS: The sampled populations of N. corniger showed high genetic variation. Results indicated strong geographic structure among N. corniger populations, with most haplotypes not broadly shared among separated locations. Phylogeographic analyses showed a dispersal route for N. corniger from Central America into South America via the Isthmus of Panama, with subsequent dispersal through the highlands east of the Andes and into eastern regions of the continent. The majority of haplotypes were limited in distribution to proximal regions, corresponding to particular biomes (Atlantic Forest, Amazonia, Chaco, Cerrado and Caatinga). CONCLUSIONS: Nasutitermes corniger is suggested to be a good model for biogeographic and phylogeographic studies in the Neotropical Region. This study clarified the phylogeographic history of N. corniger and can contribute to the understanding of biogeographic dispersion processes in the Neotropical Region.