Evolutionary paths underlying flower color variation in Antirrhinum.
To understand evolutionary paths connecting diverse biological forms, we defined a three-dimensional genotypic space separating two flower color morphs of Antirrhinum. A hybrid zone between morphs showed a steep cline specifically at genes controlling flower color differences, indicating that these loci are under selection. Antirrhinum species with diverse floral phenotypes formed a U-shaped cloud within the genotypic space. We propose that this cloud defines an evolutionary path that allows flower color to evolve while circumventing less-adaptive regions. Hybridization between morphs located in different arms of the U-shaped path yields low-fitness genotypes, accounting for the observed steep clines at hybrid zones.
Whibley
Annabel C
AC
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK.
Langlade
Nicolas B
NB
Andalo
Christophe
C
Hanna
Andrew I
AI
Bangham
Andrew
A
Thébaud
Christophe
C
Coen
Enrico
E
D000220:Adaptation, Biological; D000483:Alleles; D032161:Antirrhinum / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D001483:Base Sequence; D005075:Biological Evolution; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D035264:Flowers / Q000235:genetics*; D051456:Gene Flow; D005787:Gene Frequency; D017343:Genes, Plant; D049810:Genetic Speciation; D005838:Genotype; D006239:Haplotypes; D006824:Hybridization, Genetic; D008957:Models, Genetic; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010641:Phenotype; D010802:Phylogeny; D010858:Pigmentation / Q000235:genetics*; D010860:Pigments, Biological / Q000235:genetics; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D012641:Selection, Genetic
D010860:Pigments, Biological