title: Magic traits in speciation: 'magic' but not rare?
abstract: Speciation with gene flow is greatly facilitated when traits subject to divergent selection also contribute to non-random mating. Such traits have been called 'magic traits', which could be interpreted to imply that they are rare, special, or unrealistic. Here, we question this assumption by illustrating that magic traits can be produced by a variety of mechanisms, including ones in which reproductive isolation arises as an automatic by-product of adaptive divergence. We also draw upon the theoretical literature to explore whether magic traits have a unique role in speciation or can be mimicked in their effects by physically linked trait-complexes. We conclude that magic traits are more frequent than previously perceived, but further work is needed to clarify their importance.
authors: Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. servedio@email.unc.edu
authors: Maria R
authors: MR
authors: Servedio
authors: G Sander
authors: GS
authors: Van Doorn
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Kopp
authors: Alicia M
authors: AM
authors: Frame
authors: Patrik
authors: P
authors: Nosil