JOURNAL ARTICLE

Demographic imbalance in the hybrid zone led to asymmetric gene flow between two closely related geckos, Gekko hokouensis and Gekko yakuensis (Squamata: Gekkonidae).

  • Published In: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2024, v. 141, n. 1. P. 118 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Okamoto, Kota; Tominaga, Atsushi; Toda, Mamoru 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on the hybridization dynamics between two gecko species in southern Japan: the widely distributed Gekko hokouensis and the locally restricted Gekko yakuensis. Using microsatellite markers, mitochondrial DNA, and comparisons with historical allozyme data, the study found that G. hokouensis has expanded its range and tends to replace hybrids and G. yakuensis populations. Gene flow (introgression) was predominantly from the native G. yakuensis into the invasive G. hokouensis, consistent with predictions from the neutral demographic model of invasion, although interspecific mating was reciprocal. The higher population growth rate of G. hokouensis appears to be the main driver of species replacement, while asymmetric assortative mating may influence later stages of this process.

Additional Information

  • Source:Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 2024/01, Vol. 141, Issue 1, p118
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0024-4066
  • DOI:10.1093/biolinnean/blad092
  • Accession Number:174559745
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Biological Journal of the Linnean Society is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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