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Trewick SA, Koot EM, Morgan-Richards M. Ngāokeoke Aotearoa: The Peripatoides Onychophora of New Zealand. Insects 2024; 15:248. [PMID: 38667378 PMCID: PMC11050097 DOI: 10.3390/insects15040248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
(1) Background: Originally described as a single taxon, Peripatoides novaezealandiae (Hutton, 1876) are distributed across both main islands of New Zealand; the existence of multiple distinct lineages of live-bearing Onychophora across this spatial range has gradually emerged. Morphological conservatism obscured the true endemic diversity, and the inclusion of molecular tools has been instrumental in revealing these cryptic taxa. (2) Methods: Here, we review the diversity of the ovoviviparous Onychophora of New Zealand through a re-analysis of allozyme genotype data, mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences, geographic information and morphology. (3) Results: New analysis of the multilocus biallelic nuclear data using methods that do not require a priori assumptions of population assignment support at least six lineages of ovoviviparous Peripatoides in northern New Zealand, and mtDNA sequence variation is consistent with these divisions. Expansion of mitochondrial DNA sequence data, including representation of all existing taxa and additional populations extends our knowledge of the scale of sympatry among taxa and shows that three other lineages from southern South Island can be added to the Peripatoides list, and names are proposed here. In total, 10 species of Peripatoides can be recognised with current data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A. Trewick
- Wildlife & Ecology, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand;
| | - Emily M. Koot
- New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd., Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand;
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Wildlife & Ecology, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand;
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2
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Dowle EJ, Trewick SA, Morgan-Richards M. Fossil-calibrated phylogenies of Southern cave wētā show dispersal and extinction confound biogeographic signal. R Soc Open Sci 2024; 11:231118. [PMID: 38356874 PMCID: PMC10864783 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The biota of continents and islands are commonly considered to have a source-sink relationship, but small islands can harbour distinctive taxa. The distribution of four monotypic genera of Orthoptera on young subantarctic islands indicates a role for long-distance dispersal and extinction. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred from whole mtDNA genomes and nuclear sequences (45S cassette; four histones). We used a fossil and one palaeogeographic event to calibrate molecular clock analysis. We confirm that neither the Australian nor Aotearoa-New Zealand Rhaphidophoridae faunas are monophyletic. The radiation of Macropathinae may have begun in the late Jurassic, but trans-oceanic dispersal is required to explain the current distribution of some lineages within this subfamily. Dating the most recent common ancestor of seven island endemic species with their nearest mainland relative suggests that each existed long before their island home was available. Time estimates from our fossil-calibrated molecular clock analysis suggest several lineages have not been detected on mainland New Zealand, Australia, or elsewhere most probably due to their extinction, providing evidence that patterns of extinction, which are not consistently linked to range size or lineage age, confound biogeographic signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddy J. Dowle
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, 9016 Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Steven A. Trewick
- Ecology, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University Manawatū, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Ecology, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University Manawatū, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
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Trewick SA, Koot EM, Morgan-Richards M. Mwhitiwhiti Aotearoa: Phylogeny and synonymy of the silent alpine grasshopper radiation of New Zealand (Orthoptera: Acrididae). Zootaxa 2023; 5383:225-241. [PMID: 38221250 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5383.2.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Aotearoa New Zealand has a fauna of endemic alpine grasshoppers, consisting of thirteen species distributed among four genera. The many re-classifications of species within this group and the presence of species complexes highlight the uncertainty that surrounds relationships within and between these genera. High-throughput Next Generation Sequencing was used to assemble the complete mitochondrial genomes, 45S ribosomal cassettes and histone sequences of New Zealands four endemic alpine genera: Alpinacris, Brachaspis, Paprides and Sigaus. Phylogenetic analysis of these molecular datasets, as individual genes, partitions and combinations returned a consistent topology that is incompatible with the current classification. The genera Sigaus, Alpinacris, and Paprides all exhibit paraphyly. A consideration of the pronotum, epiphallus and terminalia of adult specimens reveals species-specific differences, but fails to provide compelling evidence for species groups justifying distinct genera. In combination with phylogenetic, morphological and spatial evidence we propose a simplified taxonomy consisting of a single genus for the mwhitiwhiti Aotearoa species radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Trewick
- Wildlife & Ecology Group; SNS; Massey University; Palmerston North; New Zealand.
| | - Emily M Koot
- Wildlife & Ecology Group; SNS; Massey University; Palmerston North; New Zealand; The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd; Palmerston North; New Zealand.
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Wildlife & Ecology Group; SNS; Massey University; Palmerston North; New Zealand.
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Yarita S, Morgan-Richards M, Trewick SA. Genotypic detection of barriers to rat dispersal: Rattus rattus behind a peninsula predator-proof fence. Biol Invasions 2023; 25:1723-1738. [PMID: 36777104 PMCID: PMC9900205 DOI: 10.1007/s10530-023-03004-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Clear delimitation of management units is essential for effective management of invasive species. Analysis of population genetic structure of target species can improve identification and interpretation of natural and artificial barriers to dispersal. In Aotearoa New Zealand where the introduced ship rat (Rattus rattus) is a major threat to native biodiversity, effective suppression of pest numbers requires removal and limitation of reinvasion from outside the managed population. We contrasted population genetic structure in rat populations over a wide scale without known barriers, with structure over a fine scale with potential barriers to dispersal. MtDNA D-loop sequences and microsatellite genotypes resolved little genetic structure in southern North Island population samples of ship rat 100 km apart. In contrast, samples from major islands differed significantly for both mtDNA and nuclear markers. We also compared ship rats collected within a small peninsula reserve bounded by sea, suburbs and, more recently, a predator fence with rats in the surrounding forest. Here, mtDNA did not differ but genotypes from 14 nuclear loci were sufficient to distinguish the fenced population. This suggests that natural (sea) and artificial barriers (town, fence) are effectively limiting gene flow among ship rat populations over the short distance (~ 500 m) between the peninsula reserve and surrounding forest. The effectiveness of the fence alone is not clear given it is a recent feature and no historical samples exist; resampling population genetic diversity over time will improve understanding. Nonetheless, the current genetic isolation of the fenced rat population suggests that rat eradication is a sensible management option given that reinvasion appears to be limited and could probably be managed with a biosecurity programme. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10530-023-03004-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Yarita
- grid.148374.d0000 0001 0696 9806Wildlife and Ecology, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- grid.148374.d0000 0001 0696 9806Wildlife and Ecology, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Steven A. Trewick
- grid.148374.d0000 0001 0696 9806Wildlife and Ecology, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Morgan-Richards M, Marshall CJ, Biggs PJ, Trewick SA. Insect Freeze-Tolerance Downunder: The Microbial Connection. Insects 2023; 14:89. [PMID: 36662017 PMCID: PMC9860888 DOI: 10.3390/insects14010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Insects that are freeze-tolerant start freezing at high sub-zero temperatures and produce small ice crystals. They do this using ice-nucleating agents that facilitate intercellular ice growth and prevent formation of large crystals where they can damage tissues. In Aotearoa/New Zealand the majority of cold adapted invertebrates studied survive freezing at any time of year, with ice formation beginning in the rich microbiome of the gut. Some freeze-tolerant insects are known to host symbiotic bacteria and/or fungi that produce ice-nucleating agents and we speculate that gut microbes of many New Zealand insects may provide ice-nucleating active compounds that moderate freezing. We consider too the possibility that evolutionary disparate freeze-tolerant insect species share gut microbes that are a source of ice-nucleating agents and so we describe potential transmission pathways of shared gut fauna. Despite more than 30 years of research into the freeze-tolerant mechanisms of Southern Hemisphere insects, the role of exogenous ice-nucleating agents has been neglected. Key traits of three New Zealand freeze-tolerant lineages are considered in light of the supercooling point (temperature of ice crystal formation) of microbial ice-nucleating particles, the initiation site of freezing, and the implications for invertebrate parasites. We outline approaches that could be used to investigate potential sources of ice-nucleating agents in freeze-tolerant insects and the tools employed to study insect microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Morgan-Richards
- Wildlife & Ecology Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University Manawatu, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Craig J. Marshall
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- Molecular Biosciences, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University Manawatu, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Steven A. Trewick
- Wildlife & Ecology Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University Manawatu, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
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Nakano M, Morgan-Richards M, Clavijo-McCormick A, Trewick S. Abundance and distribution of antennal sensilla on males and females of three sympatric species of alpine grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Catantopinae) in Aotearoa New Zealand. ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-022-00579-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBrachaspis nivalis, Sigaus australis and Paprides nitidus are grasshopper species endemic to Aotearoa, New Zealand where they are sympatric in several regions of South Island. On mountains of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (Southern Alps), B. nivalis is more abundant on scree/rock habitat, whereas S. australis and P. nitidus are prevalent in alpine tussock and herbfields. It is expected, therefore, that these species have different sensory needs that are likely to be apparent in the type, abundance, and distribution of chemo-sensilla on their antennae. It is also likely that natural selection has resulted in sexual differences in sensilla. To test these hypotheses, abundance and distribution of the chemo-sensilla on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of their antennae were characterized in adult males and females of the three species. Five types of chemo-sensilla were identified on the distal portion of their antenna: chaetica, basiconica, trichoidea, coeloconica, and cavity. All species had significantly more chemo-sensilla on the ventral than the dorsal surface of antennae and a similar distribution pattern of chemo-sensilla. Despite having relatively short antenna, B. nivalis had the largest number of olfactory sensilla, but the fewest chaetica of the three species studied. A plausible explanation is that B. nivalis is abundant on less vegetated habitats compared to the other species, and therefore may rely more on olfaction (distance) than gustatory (contact) reception for finding food. No significant differences were observed between the sexes of B. nivalis and P. nitidus, however, S. australis males had significantly more basiconica sensilla than females.
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Trewick SA, Henderson IM, Pohe SR, Morgan-Richards M. Spatial Variation of Acanthophlebia cruentata (Ephemeroptera), a Mayfly Endemic to Te Ika-a-Māui—North Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Insects 2022; 13:insects13070567. [PMID: 35886743 PMCID: PMC9316242 DOI: 10.3390/insects13070567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Patterns of variation within a widespread species can provide evidence of population history. Adjacent stable populations with gene flow show clinal genetic divergence forming a pattern of isolation by distance. Populations that have grown due to an increase in potential habitat such as forest cover since the last glacial maximum will have low genetic variation showing patterns of range expansion. The mayfly Acanthophlebia cruentata of Aotearoa, New Zealand, is widespread in streams of North Island but absent from the cooler South Island. Mayfly nymphs are restricted to streams but adults fly, facilitating gene flow among catchments. We detected higher genetic diversity at lower latitudes of this mayfly’s range compared to most of its distribution, concordant with predictions of limited forest cover in New Zealand during Pleistocene glacial periods. A signature of recent range expansion was observed in the higher latitudes. Despite initial observation suggesting mayfly size correlated with latitude, we found sex, elevation and sampling date were significant predictors of size, and some size variation is also explained by three regional groups based on haplotype distribution. Abstract The mayfly Acanthophlebia cruentata of Aotearoa, New Zealand, is widespread in Te Ika-a-Māui North Island streams, but has never been collected from South Island despite land connection during the last glacial maximum. Population structure of this mayfly might reflect re-colonisation after volcanic eruptions in North Island c1800 years ago, climate cycling or conceal older, cryptic diversity. We collected population samples from 33 locations to estimate levels of population genetic diversity and to document phenotypic variation. Relatively low intraspecific haplotype divergence was recorded among mitochondrial cytb sequences from 492 individuals, but these resolved three geographic-haplotype regions (north, west, east). We detected a signature of isolation by distance at low latitudes (north) but evidence of recent population growth in the west and east. We did not detect an effect of volcanic eruptions but infer range expansion into higher latitudes from a common ancestor during the last glacial period. As judged from wing length, both sexes of adult mayflies were larger at higher elevation and we found that haplotype region was also a significant predictor of Acanthophlebia cruentata size. This suggests that our mitochondrial marker is concordant with nuclear genetic differences that might be explained by founder effect during range expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A. Trewick
- Wildlife & Ecology Group, School of Natural Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (I.M.H.); (M.M.-R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ian M. Henderson
- Wildlife & Ecology Group, School of Natural Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (I.M.H.); (M.M.-R.)
| | | | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Wildlife & Ecology Group, School of Natural Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (I.M.H.); (M.M.-R.)
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Godfrey AJR, McKenzie AO, Morgan-Richards M. Recommendations for non-lethal monitoring of tree wētā ( Hemideina spp .) using artificial galleries. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2022.2076704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Jonathan R. Godfrey
- Statistics Group, School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Amy O. McKenzie
- Wildlife and Ecology Group, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Wildlife & Ecology Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Shepherd L, Simon C, Langton-Myers S, Morgan-Richards M. Insights into Aotearoa New Zealand’s biogeographic history provided by the study of natural hybrid zones. J R Soc N Z 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2022.2061020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Shepherd
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Chris Simon
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Koot EM, Morgan-Richards M, Trewick SA. Climate change and alpine-adapted insects: modelling environmental envelopes of a grasshopper radiation. R Soc Open Sci 2022; 9:211596. [PMID: 35316945 PMCID: PMC8889178 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Mountains create steep environmental gradients that are sensitive barometers of climate change. We calibrated 10 statistical models to formulate ensemble ecological niche models for 12 predominantly alpine, flightless grasshopper species in Aotearoa New Zealand, using their current distributions and current conditions. Niche models were then projected for two future global climate scenarios: representative concentration pathway (RCP) 2.6 (1.0°C rise) and RCP8.5 (3.7°C rise). Results were species specific, with two-thirds of our models suggesting a reduction in potential range for nine species by 2070, but surprisingly, for six species, we predict an increase in potential suitable habitat under mild (+1.0°C) or severe global warming (+3.7°C). However, when the limited dispersal ability of these flightless grasshoppers is taken into account, all 12 species studied are predicted to suffer extreme reductions in range, with a quarter likely to go extinct due to a 96-100% reduction in suitable habitat. Habitat loss is associated with habitat fragmentation that is likely to escalate stochastic vulnerability of remaining populations. Here, we present the predicted outcomes for an endemic radiation of alpine taxa as an exemplar of the challenges that alpine species, both in New Zealand and internationally, are subject to by anthropogenic climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Koot
- Wildlife and Ecology Group, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | | | - Steven A Trewick
- Wildlife and Ecology Group, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Nakano M, Morgan-Richards M, Trewick SA, Clavijo-McCormick A. Chemical Ecology and Olfaction in Short-Horned Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae). J Chem Ecol 2022; 48:121-140. [PMID: 35001201 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-021-01333-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Chemoreception plays a crucial role in the reproduction and survival of insects, which often rely on their sense of smell and taste to find partners, suitable habitats, and food sources, and to avoid predators and noxious substances. There is a substantial body of work investigating the chemoreception and chemical ecology of Diptera (flies) and Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies); but less is known about the Orthoptera (grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, and wēta). Within the Orthoptera, the family Acrididae contains about 6700 species of short-horned grasshoppers. Grasshoppers are fascinating organisms to study due to their significant taxonomic and ecological divergence, however, most chemoreception and chemical ecology studies have focused on locusts because they are agricultural pests (e.g., Schistocerca gregaria and Locusta migratoria). Here we review studies of chemosensory systems and chemical ecology of all short-horned grasshoppers. Applications of genome editing tools and entomopathogenic microorganism to control locusts in association with their chemical ecology are also discussed. Finally, we identify gaps in the current knowledge and suggest topics of interest for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Nakano
- Wildlife & Ecology, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand.
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Wildlife & Ecology, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
| | - Steven A Trewick
- Wildlife & Ecology, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
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Quenu M, Trewick SA, Daly EE, Morgan-Richards M. Generation of large mitochondrial and nuclear nucleotide sequences and phylogenetic analyses using high-throughput short-read datasets for endangered Placostylinae snails of the southwest Pacific. Molluscan Research 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/13235818.2021.1957552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Quenu
- Wildlife & Ecology, School of Agriculture & Environment, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Steven A. Trewick
- Wildlife & Ecology, School of Agriculture & Environment, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Elizabeth E. Daly
- Wildlife & Ecology, School of Agriculture & Environment, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Wildlife & Ecology, School of Agriculture & Environment, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Morgan-Richards M, Vilcot M, Trewick SA. Lack of assortative mating might explain reduced phenotypic differentiation where two grasshopper species meet. J Evol Biol 2021; 35:509-519. [PMID: 34091960 PMCID: PMC9290589 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Hybridization is an evolutionary process with wide‐ranging potential outcomes, from providing populations with important genetic variation for adaptation to being a substantial fitness cost leading to extinction. Here, we focussed on putative hybridization between two morphologically distinct species of New Zealand grasshopper. We collected Phaulacridium marginale and Phaulacridium otagoense specimens from a region where mitochondrial introgression had been detected and where their habitat has been modified by introduced mammals eating the natural vegetation and by the colonization of many non‐native plant species. In contrast to observations in the 1970s, our sampling of wild pairs of grasshoppers in copula provided no evidence of assortative mating with respect to species. Geometric morphometrics on pronotum shape of individuals from areas of sympatry detected phenotypically intermediate specimens (putative hybrids), and the distribution of phenotypes in most areas of sympatry was found to be unimodal. These results suggest that hybridization associated with anthropogenic habitat changes has led to these closely related species forming a hybrid swarm, with random mating. Without evidence of hybrid disadvantage, we suggest a novel hybrid lineage might eventually result from the merging of these two species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurine Vilcot
- Wildlife & Ecology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Steven A Trewick
- Wildlife & Ecology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Vaux F, Gemmell MR, Hills SFK, Marshall BA, Beu AG, Crampton JS, Trewick SA, Morgan-Richards M. Lineage Identification Affects Estimates of Evolutionary Mode in Marine Snails. Syst Biol 2020; 69:1106-1121. [PMID: 32163159 DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syaa018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to study evolutionary pattern and process, we need to be able to accurately identify species and the evolutionary lineages from which they are derived. Determining the concordance between genetic and morphological variation of living populations, and then directly comparing extant and fossil morphological data, provides a robust approach for improving our identification of lineages through time. We investigate genetic and shell morphological variation in extant species of Penion marine snails from New Zealand, and extend this analysis into deep time using fossils. We find that genetic and morphological variation identify similar patterns and support most currently recognized extant species. However, some taxonomic over-splitting is detected due to shell size being a poor trait for species delimitation, and we identify incorrect assignment of some fossil specimens. We infer that a single evolutionary lineage (Penion sulcatus) has existed for 22 myr, with most aspects of shell shape and shell size evolving under a random walk. However, by removing samples previously classified as the extinct species P. marwicki, we instead detect morphological stasis for one axis of shell shape variation. This result demonstrates how lineage identification can change our perception of evolutionary pattern and process. [Genotyping by sequencing; geometric morphometrics; morphological evolution; Neogastropoda; phenotype; speciation; stasis.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Vaux
- Wildlife and Ecology Group, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand.,Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR 97365, USA.,Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 340 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016, Otago, New Zealand
| | - Michael R Gemmell
- Wildlife and Ecology Group, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Simon F K Hills
- Wildlife and Ecology Group, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Bruce A Marshall
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Alan G Beu
- GNS Science, PO Box 30-368, Lower Hutt 5011, New Zealand
| | - James S Crampton
- School of Geography, Environment & Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Steven A Trewick
- Wildlife and Ecology Group, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Wildlife and Ecology Group, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
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Trewick SA, Taylor-Smith B, Morgan-Richards M. Ecology and systematics of the wine wētā and allied species, with description of four new Hemiandrus species. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2020.1790396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven A. Trewick
- Wildlife & Ecology, School of Agriculture & Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | | | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Wildlife & Ecology, School of Agriculture & Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Koot EM, Morgan-Richards M, Trewick SA. An alpine grasshopper radiation older than the mountains, on Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (Southern Alps) of Aotearoa (New Zealand). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2020; 147:106783. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2020.106783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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E. Daly E, A. Trewick S, J. Dowle E, S. Crampton J, Morgan-Richards M. Conservation of pūpū whakarongotaua the snail that listens for the war party. Ethnobio Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.15451/ec2020-05-9.13-1-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Morgan-Richards M, Langton-Myers SS, Trewick SA. Loss and gain of sexual reproduction in the same stick insect. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:3929-3941. [PMID: 31386772 PMCID: PMC6852293 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The outcome of competition between different reproductive strategies within a single species can be used to infer selective advantage of the winning strategy. Where multiple populations have independently lost or gained sexual reproduction it is possible to investigate whether the advantage is contingent on local conditions. In the New Zealand stick insect Clitarchus hookeri, three populations are distinguished by recent change in reproductive strategy and we determine their likely origins. One parthenogenetic population has established in the United Kingdom and we provide evidence that sexual reproduction has been lost in this population. We identify the sexual population from which the parthenogenetic population was derived, but show that the UK females have a post‐mating barrier to fertilisation. We also demonstrate that two sexual populations have recently arisen in New Zealand within the natural range of the mtDNA lineage that otherwise characterizes parthenogenesis in this species. We infer independent origins of males at these two locations using microsatellite genotypes. In one population, a mixture of local and nonlocal alleles suggested males were the result of invasion. Males in another population were most probably the result of loss of an X chromosome that produced a male phenotype in situ. Two successful switches in reproductive strategy suggest local competitive advantage for outcrossing over parthenogenetic reproduction. Clitarchus hookeri provides remarkable evidence of repeated and rapid changes in reproductive strategy, with competitive outcomes dependent on local conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steven A Trewick
- Wildlife & Ecology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Nakano M, Morgan-Richards M, Godfrey AJR, Clavijo McCormick A. Parthenogenetic Females of the Stick Insect Clitarchus hookeri Maintain Sexual Traits. Insects 2019; 10:E202. [PMID: 31295894 PMCID: PMC6681278 DOI: 10.3390/insects10070202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The New Zealand stick insect Clitarchus hookeri has both sexual and parthenogenetic (all-female) populations. Sexual populations exhibit a scramble competition mating system with distinctive sex roles, where females are signalers and males are searchers, which may lead to differences in the chemical and morphological traits between sexes. Evidence from a range of insect species has shown a decay of sexual traits is common in parthenogenetic lineages, especially those traits related to mate attraction and location, presumably due to their high cost. However, in some cases, sexual traits remain functional, either due to the recent evolution of the parthenogenetic lineage, low cost of maintenance, or because there might be an advantage in maintaining them. We measured morphological and chemical traits of C. hookeri to identify differences between males and females and between females from sexual and parthenogenetic populations. We also tested the ability of males to discriminate between sexual and parthenogenetic females in a laboratory bioassay. Our results show that male C. hookeri has morphological traits that facilitate mobility (smaller body with disproportionately longer legs) and mate detection (disproportionately longer antennae), and adult females release significantly higher amounts of volatile organic compounds than males when this species is sexually active, in accordance with their distinctive sex roles. Although some differences were detected between sexual and parthenogenetic females, the latter appear to maintain copulatory behaviors and chemical signaling. Males were unable to distinguish between sexual and parthenogenetic females, suggesting that there has been little decay in the sexual traits in the parthenogenetic lineage of C. hookeri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Nakano
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
| | - A Jonathan R Godfrey
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
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Daly EE, Walker KJ, Morgan-Richards M, Trewick SA. Spatial genetics of a high elevation lineage of Rhytididae land snails in New Zealand: the Powelliphanta Kawatiri complex. Molluscan Research 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/13235818.2018.1559914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E. Daly
- Wildlife & Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Kathleen J. Walker
- Science and Policy Unit, Department of Conservation, Nelson, New Zealand
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Wildlife & Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Steven A. Trewick
- Wildlife & Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Gemmell MR, Trewick SA, Crampton JS, Vaux F, Hills SFK, Daly EE, Marshall BA, Beu AG, Morgan-Richards M. Genetic structure and shell shape variation within a rocky shore whelk suggest both diverging and constraining selection with gene flow. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Gemmell
- Ecology Group, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Steven A Trewick
- Ecology Group, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - James S Crampton
- GNS Science, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
- School of Geography, Environment & Earth Sciences, Victoria University, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Felix Vaux
- Ecology Group, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Simon F K Hills
- Ecology Group, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Elizabeth E Daly
- Ecology Group, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Bruce A Marshall
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Ecology Group, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Bulgarella M, Quenu M, Shepherd LD, Morgan-Richards M. The ectoparasites of hybrid ducks in New Zealand (Mallard x Grey Duck). Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2018; 7:335-342. [PMID: 30258780 PMCID: PMC6154467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We studied the population genetics of one population sample of hybrid Mallard x Grey Ducks and their lice in New Zealand. We aimed to document the relationship between ectoparasite load and host phenotype, and test for an association between the mtDNA diversity of the lice and their hosts, which is predicted based on maternal care. We found three feather lice species previously described for these hosts: Anaticola crassicornis (wing louse), Anatoecus dentatus (head louse), and Trinoton querquedulae (body louse). No new or rare lice species were uncovered. Most ducks in our sample were more Mallard-like than Grey Duck-like hybrids for the five colour and plumage traits examined. We confirm that based solely on phenotypic characters it is difficult to distinguish between Mallards, hybrids and Grey Ducks. We detected no association between the number of lice and host phenotype for two of the three louse species (while controlling for bird size). However, the Grey Duck-like hybrids had fewer head lice (A. dentatus) than their Mallard-like counterparts. Only three of the 40 hosts had mtDNA haplotypes that characterise Grey Ducks. We present the first genetic data of Anaticola crassicornis, Anatoecus dentatus and Trinoton querquedulae from New Zealand waterfowl. We found that the lice mtDNA had greater sequence diversity than the homologous gene for the ducks. A mitochondrial phylogeny for A. crassicornis collected from hosts worldwide has been previously published, and we added our novel data to infer evolutionary relationships among worldwide populations of this louse. None of the three lice species showed a close association of parasite and host mtDNA lineage despite lack of paternal care in these duck species. We studied population genetics of hybrid Mallard x Grey Ducks and their lice in New Zealand. We found three feather lice species previously described for these hosts. Most ducks were more Mallard-like than Grey Duck-like hybrids for the traits examined. Only three of the forty hosts had mtDNA haplotypes that characterise Grey Ducks. We present the first genetic data for the three lice species from New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Bulgarella
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, PO Box 467, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Mathieu Quenu
- Ecology, College of Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Lara D Shepherd
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, PO Box 467, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Ecology, College of Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
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Morgan-Richards M, Bulgarella M, Sivyer L, Dowle EJ, Hale M, McKean NE, Trewick SA. Explaining large mitochondrial sequence differences within a population sample. R Soc Open Sci 2017; 4:170730. [PMID: 29291063 PMCID: PMC5717637 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA sequence is frequently used to infer species' boundaries, as divergence is relatively rapid when populations are reproductively isolated. However, the shared history of a non-recombining gene naturally leads to correlation of pairwise differences, resulting in mtDNA clusters that might be mistaken for evidence of multiple species. There are four distinct processes that can explain high levels of mtDNA sequence difference within a single sample. Here, we examine one case in detail as an exemplar to distinguish among competing hypotheses. Within our sample of tree wētā (Hemideina crassidens; Orthoptera), we found multiple mtDNA haplotypes for a protein-coding region (cytb/ND1) that differed by a maximum of 7.9%. From sequencing the whole mitochondrial genome of two representative individuals, we found evidence of constraining selection. Heterozygotes were as common as expected under random mating at five nuclear loci. Morphological traits and nuclear markers did not resolve the mtDNA groupings of individuals. We concluded that the large differences found among our sample of mtDNA sequences were simply owing to a large population size over an extended period of time allowing an equilibrium between mutation and drift to retain a great deal of genetic diversity within a single species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariana Bulgarella
- Ecology, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Louisa Sivyer
- Ecology, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Edwina J. Dowle
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado, 1151 Arapahoe, SI 2071, Denver, CO 80204, USA
| | - Marie Hale
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Natasha E. McKean
- Ecology, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Steven A. Trewick
- Ecology, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Trewick SA, Pilkington S, Shepherd LD, Gibb GC, Morgan-Richards M. Closing the gap: Avian lineage splits at a young, narrow seaway imply a protracted history of mixed population response. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:5752-5772. [PMID: 28805283 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The evolutionary significance of spatial habitat gaps has been well recognized since Alfred Russel Wallace compared the faunas of Bali and Lombok. Gaps between islands influence population structuring of some species, and flightless birds are expected to show strong partitioning even where habitat gaps are narrow. We examined the population structure of the most numerous living flightless land bird in New Zealand, Weka (Gallirallus australis). We surveyed Weka and their feather lice in native and introduced populations using genetic data gathered from DNA sequences of mitochondrial genes and nuclear β-fibrinogen and five microsatellite loci. We found low genetic diversity among extant Weka population samples. Two genetic clusters were evident in the mtDNA from Weka and their lice, but partitioning at nuclear loci was less abrupt. Many formerly recognized subspecies/species were not supported; instead, we infer one subspecies for each of the two main New Zealand islands. Although currently range restricted, North Island Weka have higher mtDNA diversity than the more wide-ranging southern Weka. Mismatch and neutrality statistics indicate North Island Weka experienced rapid and recent population reduction, while South Island Weka display the signature of recent expansion. Similar haplotype data from a widespread flying relative of Weka and other New Zealand birds revealed instances of North Island-South Island partitioning associated with a narrow habitat gap (Cook Strait). However, contrasting patterns indicate priority effects and other ecological factors have a strong influence on spatial exchange at this scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve A Trewick
- Ecology Group, Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Stephen Pilkington
- Ecology Group, Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Lara D Shepherd
- Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Gillian C Gibb
- Ecology Group, Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Ecology Group, Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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26
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Wehi PM, Monks A, Morgan-Richards M. Male tree weta are attracted to cuticular scent cues but do not discriminate according to sex or among two closely related species. Ethology 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla M. Wehi
- Institute of Agriculture & Environment; Massey University; Palmerston North New Zealand
- Landcare Research; Dunedin New Zealand
| | | | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Institute of Agriculture & Environment; Massey University; Palmerston North New Zealand
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Vaux F, Crampton JS, Marshall BA, Trewick SA, Morgan-Richards M. Geometric morphometric analysis reveals that the shells of male and female siphon whelks Penion chathamensis are the same size and shape. Molluscan Research 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/13235818.2017.1279474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Vaux
- Ecology Group, Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - James S. Crampton
- GNS Science, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
- School of Geography, Environment & Earth Sciences, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Steven A. Trewick
- Ecology Group, Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Ecology Group, Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Bradley E, Trewick S, Morgan-Richards M. Genetic distinctiveness of the Waikawa Island mouse population indicates low rate of dispersal from mainland New Zealand. NEW ZEAL J ECOL 2017. [DOI: 10.20417/nzjecol.41.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Vaux
- Ecology Group; Institute of Agriculture and Environment; Massey University; Palmerston North New Zealand
| | - Steven A. Trewick
- Ecology Group; Institute of Agriculture and Environment; Massey University; Palmerston North New Zealand
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Ecology Group; Institute of Agriculture and Environment; Massey University; Palmerston North New Zealand
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Taylor-Smith BL, Trewick SA, Morgan-Richards M. Three new ground wētā species and a redescription ofHemiandrus maculifrons. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2016.1205109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Morgan-Richards M, Hills SFK, Biggs PJ, Trewick SA. Sticky Genomes: Using NGS Evidence to Test Hybrid Speciation Hypotheses. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154911. [PMID: 27187689 PMCID: PMC4871368 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypotheses of hybrid origin are common. Here we use next generation sequencing to test a hybrid hypothesis for a non-model insect with a large genome. We compared a putative hybrid triploid stick insect species (Acanthoxyla geisovii) with its putative paternal diploid taxon (Clitarchus hookeri), a relationship that provides clear predictions for the relative genetic diversity within each genome. The parental taxon is expected to have comparatively low allelic diversity that is nested within the diversity of the hybrid daughter genome. The scale of genome sequencing required was conveniently achieved by extracting mRNA and sequencing cDNA to examine expressed allelic diversity. This allowed us to test hybrid-progenitor relationships among non-model organisms with large genomes and different ploidy levels. Examination of thousands of independent loci avoids potential problems produced by the silencing of parts of one or other of the parental genomes, a phenomenon sometimes associated with the process of stabilisation of a hybrid genome. Transcript assembles were assessed for evidence of paralogs and/or alternative splice variants before proceeding. Comparison of transcript assemblies was not an appropriate measure of genetic variability, but by mapping reads back to clusters derived from each species we determined levels of allelic diversity. We found greater cDNA sequence diversity among alleles in the putative hybrid species (Acanthoxyla geisovii) than the non-hybrid. The allelic diversity within the putative paternal species (Clitachus hookeri) nested within the hybrid-daughter genome, supports the current view of a hybrid-progenitor relationship for these stick insect species. Next generation sequencing technology provides opportunities for testing evolutionary hypotheses with non-model organisms, including, as here, genomes that are large due to polyploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Morgan-Richards
- Ecology Group, Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
| | - Simon F. K. Hills
- Ecology Group, Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- Infectious Disease Research Centre, Institute of Veterinary, Animal & Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Steven A. Trewick
- Ecology Group, Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Mckean NE, Trewick SA, Morgan-Richards M. Little or no gene flow despite F1 hybrids at two interspecific contact zones. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:2390-404. [PMID: 27066230 PMCID: PMC4783458 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybridization can create the selective force that promotes assortative mating but hybridization can also select for increased hybrid fitness. Gene flow resulting from hybridization can increase genetic diversity but also reduce distinctiveness. Thus the formation of hybrids has important implications for long‐term species coexistence. This study compares the interaction between the tree wētā Hemideina thoracica and its two neighboring species; H. crassidens and H. trewicki. We examined the ratio of parent and hybrid forms in natural areas of sympatry. Individuals with intermediate phenotype were confirmed as first generation hybrids using nine independent genetic markers. Evidence of gene flow from successful hybridization was sought from the distribution of morphological and genetic characters. Both species pairs appear to be largely retaining their own identity where they live in sympatry, each with a distinct karyotype. Hemideina thoracica and H. trewicki are probably reproductively isolated, with sterile F1 hybrids. This species pair shows evidence of niche differences with adult size and timing of maturity differing where Hemideina thoracica is sympatric with H. trewicki. In contrast, evidence of a low level of introgression was detected in phenotypes and genotypes where H. thoracica and H. crassidens are sympatric. We found no evidence of size divergence although color traits in combination with hind tibia spines reliably distinguish the two species. This species pair show a bimodal hybrid zone in the absence of assortative mating and possible sexual exclusion by H. thoracica males in the formation of F1 hybrids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha E Mckean
- Ecology Group Institute of Agriculture and Environment Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand
| | - Steven A Trewick
- Ecology Group Institute of Agriculture and Environment Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Ecology Group Institute of Agriculture and Environment Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand
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Nelson-Tunley M, Morgan-Richards M, Trewick SA. Genetic diversity and gene flow in a rare New Zealand skink despite fragmented habitat in a volcanic landscape. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Moniqua Nelson-Tunley
- Ecology Group; Institute of Agriculture and Environment; Massey University; Private Bag 11-222 Palmerston North New Zealand
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Ecology Group; Institute of Agriculture and Environment; Massey University; Private Bag 11-222 Palmerston North New Zealand
| | - Steven A. Trewick
- Ecology Group; Institute of Agriculture and Environment; Massey University; Private Bag 11-222 Palmerston North New Zealand
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Vaux F, Trewick SA, Morgan-Richards M. Lineages, splits and divergence challenge whether the terms anagenesis and cladogenesis are necessary. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Vaux
- Ecology Group; Institute of Agriculture and Environment; Massey University; Palmerston North New Zealand
| | - Steven A. Trewick
- Ecology Group; Institute of Agriculture and Environment; Massey University; Palmerston North New Zealand
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Ecology Group; Institute of Agriculture and Environment; Massey University; Palmerston North New Zealand
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Dowle EJ, Morgan-Richards M, Brescia F, Trewick SA. Correlation between shell phenotype and local environment suggests a role for natural selection in the evolution ofPlacostylussnails. Mol Ecol 2015; 24:4205-21. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. J. Dowle
- Ecology Group; Massey University; Private Bag 11-222 Palmerston North New Zealand
- Entomology Department, Waters Hall; Kansas State University; Manhattan KS 66506 USA
| | - M. Morgan-Richards
- Ecology Group; Massey University; Private Bag 11-222 Palmerston North New Zealand
| | - F. Brescia
- Axe 2 ‘Diversités biologique et fonctionnelle des Ecosystèmes’; Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien (IAC); Port-Laguerre BP73 98890 Païta New Caledonia
| | - S. A. Trewick
- Ecology Group; Massey University; Private Bag 11-222 Palmerston North New Zealand
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Mckean NE, Trewick SA, Morgan-Richards M. Comparative cytogenetics of North Island tree wētā in sympatry. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2015.1032984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Bulgarella M, Trewick SA, Godfrey AJR, Sinclair BJ, Morgan-Richards M. Elevational variation in adult body size and growth rate but not in metabolic rate in the tree weta Hemideina crassidens. J Insect Physiol 2015; 75:30-38. [PMID: 25753546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Populations of the same species inhabiting distinct localities experience different ecological and climatic pressures that might result in differentiation in traits, particularly those related to temperature. We compared metabolic rate (and its thermal sensitivity), growth rate, and body size among nine high- and low-elevation populations of the Wellington tree weta, Hemideina crassidens, distributed from 9 to 1171 m a.s.l across New Zealand. Our results did not indicate elevational compensation in metabolic rates (metabolic cold adaptation). Cold acclimation decreased metabolic rate compared to warm-acclimated individuals from both high- and low-elevation populations. However, we did find countergradient variation in growth rates, with individuals from high-elevation populations growing faster and to a larger final size than individuals from low-elevation populations. Females grew faster to a larger size than males, although as adults their metabolic rates did not differ significantly. The combined physiological and morphological data suggest that high-elevation individuals grow quickly and achieve larger size while maintaining metabolic rates at levels not significantly different from low-elevation individuals. Thus, morphological differentiation among tree weta populations, in concert with genetic variation, might provide the material required for adaptation to changing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Bulgarella
- Ecology Group, Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Steven A Trewick
- Ecology Group, Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
| | - A Jonathan R Godfrey
- Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Brent J Sinclair
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Ecology Group, Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
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Goldberg J, Morgan-Richards M, Trewick SA. Intercontinental island hopping: Colonization and speciation of the grasshopper genus Phaulacridium (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in Australasia. ZOOL ANZ 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Dowle EJ, Morgan-Richards M, Trewick SA. Morphological differentiation despite gene flow in an endangered grasshopper. BMC Evol Biol 2014; 14:216. [PMID: 25318347 PMCID: PMC4219001 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-014-0216-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene flow is traditionally considered a limitation to speciation because selection is required to counter the homogenising effect of allele exchange. Here we report on two sympatric short-horned grasshoppers species in the South Island of New Zealand; one (Sigaus australis) widespread and the other (Sigaus childi) a narrow endemic. RESULTS Of the 79 putatively neutral markers (mtDNA, microsatellite loci, ITS sequences and RAD-seq SNPs) all but one marker we examined showed extensive allele sharing, and similar or identical allele frequencies in the two species where they co-occur. We found no genetic evidence of deviation from random mating in the region of sympatry. However, analysis of morphological and geometric traits revealed no evidence of morphological introgression. CONCLUSIONS Based on phenotype the two species are clearly distinct, but their genotypes thus far reveal no divergence. The best explanation for this is that some loci associated with the distinguishing morphological characters are under strong selection, but exchange of neutral loci is occurring freely between the two species. Although it is easier to define species as requiring a barrier between them, a dynamic model that accommodates gene flow is a biologically more reasonable explanation for these grasshoppers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddy J Dowle
- Ecology Group, IAE, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand.
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Ecology Group, IAE, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Steven A Trewick
- Ecology Group, IAE, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
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Minards NA, Trewick SA, Godfrey AJR, Morgan-Richards M. Convergent local adaptation in size and growth rate but not metabolic rate in a pair of parapatric Orthoptera species. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Niki A. Minards
- Phoenix lab, Ecology Group; IAE; Massey University; Palmerston North New Zealand
| | - Steven A. Trewick
- Phoenix lab, Ecology Group; IAE; Massey University; Palmerston North New Zealand
| | | | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Phoenix lab, Ecology Group; IAE; Massey University; Palmerston North New Zealand
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Wehi PM, Raubenheimer D, Morgan-Richards M. Tolerance for nutrient imbalance in an intermittently feeding herbivorous cricket, the Wellington tree weta. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84641. [PMID: 24358369 PMCID: PMC3866171 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Organisms that regulate nutrient intake have an advantage over those that do not, given that the nutrient composition of any one resource rarely matches optimal nutrient requirements. We used nutritional geometry to model protein and carbohydrate intake and identify an intake target for a sexually dimorphic species, the Wellington tree weta (Hemideina crassidens). Despite pronounced sexual dimorphism in this large generalist herbivorous insect, intake targets did not differ by sex. In a series of laboratory experiments, we then investigated whether tree weta demonstrate compensatory responses for enforced periods of imbalanced nutrient intake. Weta pre-fed high or low carbohydrate: protein diets showed large variation in compensatory nutrient intake over short (<48 h) time periods when provided with a choice. Individuals did not strongly defend nutrient targets, although there was some evidence for weak regulation. Many weta tended to select high and low protein foods in a ratio similar to their previously identified nutrient optimum. These results suggest that weta have a wide tolerance to nutritional imbalance, and that the time scale of weta nutrient balancing could lie outside of the short time span tested here. A wide tolerance to imbalance is consistent with the intermittent feeding displayed in the wild by weta and may be important in understanding weta foraging patterns in New Zealand forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla M. Wehi
- Ecology Group, Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - David Raubenheimer
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Massey University, North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand
- The Charles Perkins Centre and Faculty of Veterinary Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Ecology Group, Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Smith BLT, Morgan-Richards M, Trewick SA. New Zealand ground wētā (Anostostomatidae:Hemiandrus): descriptions of two species with notes on their biology. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2013.804422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- BL Taylor Smith
- Ecology Group, IAE, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - M Morgan-Richards
- Ecology Group, IAE, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - SA Trewick
- Ecology Group, IAE, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Dowle EJ, Morgan-Richards M, Trewick SA. Molecular evolution and the latitudinal biodiversity gradient. Heredity (Edinb) 2013; 110:501-10. [PMID: 23486082 PMCID: PMC3656639 DOI: 10.1038/hdy.2013.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Revised: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Species density is higher in the tropics (low latitude) than in temperate regions (high latitude) resulting in a latitudinal biodiversity gradient (LBG). The LBG must be generated by differential rates of speciation and/or extinction and/or immigration among regions, but the role of each of these processes is still unclear. Recent studies examining differences in rates of molecular evolution have inferred a direct link between rate of molecular evolution and rate of speciation, and postulated these as important drivers of the LBG. Here we review the molecular genetic evidence and examine the factors that might be responsible for differences in rates of molecular evolution. Critical to this is the directionality of the relationship between speciation rates and rates of molecular evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Dowle
- Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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Fitness J, Hitchmough RA, Morgan-Richards M. Little and large: body size and genetic clines in a New Zealand gecko (Woodworthia maculata) along a coastal transect. Ecol Evol 2012; 2:273-85. [PMID: 22423323 PMCID: PMC3298942 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2011] [Revised: 10/05/2011] [Accepted: 10/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinal variation can result from primary differentiation or secondary contact and determining which of these two processes is responsible for the existence of a cline is not a trivial problem. Samples from a coastal transect of New Zealand geckos (Woodworthia maculata) identified for the first time a body size cline 7–10 km wide. The larger geckos are almost twice the mass of the small adult geckos. Clines in allele and haplotype frequency were found at two of the four genetic loci examined. Estimated width of the morphological cline was concordant with neither the narrower mtDNA cline (3–7 m) nor the wider nuclear cline (RAG-2; 34–42 km), and cline centers were not coincident. Although the body size cline is narrow compared to the entire range of the species, it is 2–3 orders of magnitude greater than estimates of dispersal distance per generation for these geckos. No evidence of assortative mating, nor of hybrid disadvantage was identified, thus there is little evidence to infer that endogenous selection is maintaining a hybrid zone. We cannot distinguish secondary contact from primary origin of this body size cline but conclude that secondary contact is likely due to the occurrence of mtDNA haplotypes from three distinct clades within the coastal transect and the presence of two frequency clines within this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Fitness
- Ecology, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey UniversityPalmerston North, New Zealand
| | | | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Ecology, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey UniversityPalmerston North, New Zealand
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Abstract
Theory proposes that sexually dimorphic, polygynous species are at particularly high risk of sex-biased predation, because conspicuous males are more often preyed upon compared to females. We tested the effects of predation on population sex ratio in a highly sexually dimorphic insect genus (Hemideina). In addition, introduction of a suite of novel mammalian predators to New Zealand during the last 800 years is likely to have modified selection pressures on native tree weta. We predicted that the balance between natural and sexual selection would be disrupted by the new predator species. We expected to see a sex ratio skew resulting from higher mortality in males with expensive secondary sexual weaponry; combat occurs outside refuge cavities between male tree weta. We took a meta-analytic approach using generalized linear mixed models to compare sex ratio variation in 58 populations for six of the seven species in Hemideina. We investigated adult sex ratio across these populations to determine how much variation in sex ratio can be attributed to sex-biased predation in populations with either low or high number of invasive mammalian predators. Surprisingly, we did not detect any significant deviation from 1 : 1 parity for adult sex ratio and found little difference between populations or species. We conclude that there is little evidence of sex-biased predation by either native or mammalian predators and observed sex ratio skew in individual populations of tree weta is probably an artefact of sampling error. We argue that sex-biased predation may be less prevalent in sexually dimorphic species than previously suspected and emphasize the usefulness of a meta-analytic approach to robustly analyse disparate and heterogeneous data.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Wehi
- Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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Abstract
Worldwide, parthenogenetic reproduction has evolved many times in the stick insects (Phasmatidae). Many parthenogenetic stick insects show the distribution pattern known as geographic parthenogenesis, in that they occupy habitats that are at higher altitude or latitude compared with their sexual relatives. Although it is often assumed that, in the short term, parthenogenetic populations will have a reproductive advantage over sexual populations; this is not necessarily the case. We present data on the distribution and evolutionary relationships of sexual and asexual populations of the New Zealand stick insect, Clitarchus hookeri. Males are common in the northern half of the species' range but rare or absent elsewhere, and we found that most C. hookeri from putative-parthenogenetic populations share a common ancestor. Female stick insects from bisexual populations of Clitarchus hookeri are capable of parthenogenetic reproduction, but those insects from putative-parthenogenetic populations produced few offspring via sexual reproduction when males were available. We found similar fertility (hatching success) in mated and virgin females. Mated females produce equal numbers of male and female offspring, with most hatching about 9-16 weeks after laying. In contrast, most eggs from unmated females took longer to hatch (21-23 weeks), and most offspring were female. It appears that all C. hookeri females are capable of parthenogenetic reproduction, and thus could benefit from the numerical advantage this yields. Nevertheless, our phylogeographic evidence shows that the majority of all-female populations over a wide geographic area originate from a single loss of sexual reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Morgan-Richards
- Ecology Group, Allan Wilson Center for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, INR, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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Cook LD, Trewick SA, Morgan-Richards M, Johns PM. Status of the New Zealand cave weta (Rhaphidophoridae) genera Pachyrhamma, Gymnoplectron and Turbottoplectron. INVERTEBR SYST 2010. [DOI: 10.1071/is09047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The New Zealand Rhaphidophoridae Walker, 1869 comprise 18 endemic genera (including 8 that are monotypic). Although there are many new species to be described, rationalisation at the genus level is also required due to inconsistencies in their current systematics. Even the largest and best known taxa, including those that occupy cave systems and are the most frequently encountered by people, require taxonomic revision. These cave weta include species assigned to three poorly differentiated genera, Pachyrhamma Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1888, Gymnoplectron Hutton, 1897 and Turbottoplectron Salmon, 1948, that are best known from North Island New Zealand. We used mitochondrial DNA sequence data to examine their relationships using representatives of each genus. The results indicate that a single genus Pachyrhamma would be appropriate for all, as Gymnoplectron and Turbottoplectron nest phylogenetically within it. There are insufficient morphological, spatial or ecological reasons to justify retention of all three. However, we also note that species level diversity does not correlate with genetic or spatial diversity; some species are genetically well partitioned and widespread while others have narrow ranges in single cave systems and are closely related to one another.
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Pratt RC, Morgan-Richards M, Trewick SA. Diversification of New Zealand weta (Orthoptera: Ensifera: Anostostomatidae) and their relationships in Australasia. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2008; 363:3427-37. [PMID: 18782727 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2008.0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
New Zealand taxa from the Orthopteran family Anostostomatidae have been shown to consist of three broad groups, Hemiandrus (ground weta), Anisoura/Motuweta (tusked weta) and Hemideina-Deinacrida (tree-giant weta). The family is also present in Australia and New Caledonia, the nearest large land masses to New Zealand. All genera are endemic to their respective countries except Hemiandrus that occurs in New Zealand and Australia. We used nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence data to study within genera and among species-level genetic diversity within New Zealand and to examine phylogenetic relationships of taxa in Australasia. We found the Anostostomatidae to be monophyletic within Ensifera, and justifiably distinguished from the Stenopelmatidae among which they were formerly placed. However, the New Zealand Anostostomatidae are not monophyletic with respect to Australian and New Caledonian species in our analyses. Two of the New Zealand groups have closer allies in Australia and one in New Caledonia. We carried out maximum-likelihood and Bayesian analyses to reveal several well supported subgroupings. Our analysis included the most extensive sampling to date of Hemiandrus species and indicate that Australian and New Zealand Hemiandrus are not monophyletic. We used molecular dating approaches to test the plausibility of alternative biogeographic hypotheses for the origin of the New Zealand anostostomatid fauna and found support for divergence of the main clades at, or shortly after, Gondwanan break-up, and dispersal across the Tasman much more recently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renae C Pratt
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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Pratt RC, Gibb GC, Morgan-Richards M, Phillips MJ, Hendy MD, Penny D. Toward resolving deep neoaves phylogeny: data, signal enhancement, and priors. Mol Biol Evol 2008; 26:313-26. [PMID: 18981298 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msn248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We report three developments toward resolving the challenge of the apparent basal polytomy of neoavian birds. First, we describe improved conditional down-weighting techniques to reduce noise relative to signal for deeper divergences and find increased agreement between data sets. Second, we present formulae for calculating the probabilities of finding predefined groupings in the optimal tree. Finally, we report a significant increase in data: nine new mitochondrial (mt) genomes (the dollarbird, New Zealand kingfisher, great potoo, Australian owlet-nightjar, white-tailed trogon, barn owl, a roadrunner [a ground cuckoo], New Zealand long-tailed cuckoo, and the peach-faced lovebird) and together they provide data for each of the six main groups of Neoaves proposed by Cracraft J (2001). We use his six main groups of modern birds as priors for evaluation of results. These include passerines, cuckoos, parrots, and three other groups termed "WoodKing" (woodpeckers/rollers/kingfishers), "SCA" (owls/potoos/owlet-nightjars/hummingbirds/swifts), and "Conglomerati." In general, the support is highly significant with just two exceptions, the owls move from the "SCA" group to the raptors, particularly accipitrids (buzzards/eagles) and the osprey, and the shorebirds may be an independent group from the rest of the "Conglomerati". Molecular dating mt genomes support a major diversification of at least 12 neoavian lineages in the Late Cretaceous. Our results form a basis for further testing with both nuclear-coding sequences and rare genomic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renae C Pratt
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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Trewick SA, Morgan-Richards M, Collins LJ. Are you my mother? Phylogenetic analysis reveals orphan hybrid stick insect genus is part of a monophyletic New Zealand clade. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2008; 48:799-808. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2008.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2007] [Revised: 03/06/2008] [Accepted: 05/20/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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