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Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - GENOMIC FOOTPRINT (Does a moving hybrid zone leave a genomic footprint?)

Teaser

Summary

Range expansions and contractions exaggerate the reshuffling of the genomes of hybridizing species. The key objective of this project is to experimentally test the theoretical prediction that, under hybrid zone movement, genes derived from a displaced species are left behind in the genome of an invading species, leaving a â€˜genomic footprintâ€™. I fill an empirical void by, for the first time, testing this critical hypothesis in the wild, using genome-scale data. I have established a study system (the newt genus Triturus) that is particularly appropriate because it shows strong evidence in support of hybrid zone movement over considerable time and distance. Human activities have intensified hybridization and I work together with conservationists and legislators to tackle the insidious conservation problem of genetic pollution by exotic species.

Work performed

To obtain genome-wide data, I have been trained in the cutting-edge genomic technique of target enrichment through sequence capture during the outgoing phase at the lab of Prof. Shaffer at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). In particular I collaborate with Evan McCartney-Melstad who applies this procedure to Ambystoma salamanders. All data for the project are in and we are in the process of analyzing them and drafting manuscripts. 8 papers acknowledging MSC funding has been published/accepted. I have just returned at the beneficiary, the University of Sheffield (USFD). At USFD the group of Prof. Butlin has unmatched expertise in hybridization/speciation research and excels in the analytical approaches required to uncover a genomic footprint.

Final results

I have already provided strong support during the project for genomic footprints left by hybrid zone movement in two 2017 publications. This year I will write a paper that further solidifies this pattern. The project will provide very strong support for historical species replacement over large distances, which is important because a major conservation concern arising from anthropogenic climate change is increased species replacement in the future.