Spatio‐Temporal Patterns of Hybridization in an Alloploid Salamander (Ambystomatidae: Ambystoma) and Conservation Implications of Introgression in a Unisexual Vertebrate

ABSTRACT Maynard Smith's proposed two‐fold cost of sex states that one of the disadvantages of clonal reproduction is the decreased ability to persist in dynamic ecosystems. However, the long‐term persistence of some clonal alloploid lineages suggests that these lineages may not always be so ep...

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Main Authors: Alessa V. Laserna, Christopher A. Phillips, Andrew R. Kuhns, Mark A. Davis, Joel B. Corush, Ken N. Paige
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-01-01
Series:Ecology and Evolution
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70765
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author Alessa V. Laserna
Christopher A. Phillips
Andrew R. Kuhns
Mark A. Davis
Joel B. Corush
Ken N. Paige
author_facet Alessa V. Laserna
Christopher A. Phillips
Andrew R. Kuhns
Mark A. Davis
Joel B. Corush
Ken N. Paige
author_sort Alessa V. Laserna
collection DOAJ
description ABSTRACT Maynard Smith's proposed two‐fold cost of sex states that one of the disadvantages of clonal reproduction is the decreased ability to persist in dynamic ecosystems. However, the long‐term persistence of some clonal alloploid lineages suggests that these lineages may not always be so ephemeral in nature. Understanding the stability of these lineages over time can inform our understanding of the advantages of an asexual mode of life. Here we investigate a gynogenetic allopolyploid triploid, the Silvery Salamander (LJJ—historically referred to as Ambystoma platineum), an asexual lineage closely related to A. barbouri. However, in our focal populations, neither parental species is present, and another sexual host, A. texanum (TT), is a required sperm donor. Gynogenetic reproduction involving LJJ and its host A. texanum should result in a clone of the mother (LJJ); however, with the occurrence of kleptogenesis, it often can result in tetraploid hybrids (LJJT). LJJ is considered endangered in this population due to its restricted range coupled with concerns that the cryptic tetraploid (LJJT) could completely replace LJJ. Here we assess the level of LJJ × A. texanum hybridization in nine ephemeral wetland populations in east central Illinois. Using species‐specific microsatellite loci, we compared the prevalence of LJJ and LJJT genotypes across localities and years. We find variation across ponds and developmental stages but suggest relative stability over time. Given the considerable amount of environmental degradation and loss, we suggest continued monitoring of this unique segment of biodiversity to ensure its persistence into the future.
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spelling doaj-art-7143d434f38046cba6b8a08146cb14352025-01-29T05:08:42ZengWileyEcology and Evolution2045-77582025-01-01151n/an/a10.1002/ece3.70765Spatio‐Temporal Patterns of Hybridization in an Alloploid Salamander (Ambystomatidae: Ambystoma) and Conservation Implications of Introgression in a Unisexual VertebrateAlessa V. Laserna0Christopher A. Phillips1Andrew R. Kuhns2Mark A. Davis3Joel B. Corush4Ken N. Paige5Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute University of Illinois Urbana‐Champaign Champaign Illinois USAIllinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute University of Illinois Urbana‐Champaign Champaign Illinois USAIllinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute University of Illinois Urbana‐Champaign Champaign Illinois USAIllinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute University of Illinois Urbana‐Champaign Champaign Illinois USAIllinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute University of Illinois Urbana‐Champaign Champaign Illinois USAIllinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute University of Illinois Urbana‐Champaign Champaign Illinois USAABSTRACT Maynard Smith's proposed two‐fold cost of sex states that one of the disadvantages of clonal reproduction is the decreased ability to persist in dynamic ecosystems. However, the long‐term persistence of some clonal alloploid lineages suggests that these lineages may not always be so ephemeral in nature. Understanding the stability of these lineages over time can inform our understanding of the advantages of an asexual mode of life. Here we investigate a gynogenetic allopolyploid triploid, the Silvery Salamander (LJJ—historically referred to as Ambystoma platineum), an asexual lineage closely related to A. barbouri. However, in our focal populations, neither parental species is present, and another sexual host, A. texanum (TT), is a required sperm donor. Gynogenetic reproduction involving LJJ and its host A. texanum should result in a clone of the mother (LJJ); however, with the occurrence of kleptogenesis, it often can result in tetraploid hybrids (LJJT). LJJ is considered endangered in this population due to its restricted range coupled with concerns that the cryptic tetraploid (LJJT) could completely replace LJJ. Here we assess the level of LJJ × A. texanum hybridization in nine ephemeral wetland populations in east central Illinois. Using species‐specific microsatellite loci, we compared the prevalence of LJJ and LJJT genotypes across localities and years. We find variation across ponds and developmental stages but suggest relative stability over time. Given the considerable amount of environmental degradation and loss, we suggest continued monitoring of this unique segment of biodiversity to ensure its persistence into the future.https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70765allopolyploidAmbystomaconservationgenetic leakagegynogenesishybrid zone
spellingShingle Alessa V. Laserna
Christopher A. Phillips
Andrew R. Kuhns
Mark A. Davis
Joel B. Corush
Ken N. Paige
Spatio‐Temporal Patterns of Hybridization in an Alloploid Salamander (Ambystomatidae: Ambystoma) and Conservation Implications of Introgression in a Unisexual Vertebrate
Ecology and Evolution
allopolyploid
Ambystoma
conservation
genetic leakage
gynogenesis
hybrid zone
title Spatio‐Temporal Patterns of Hybridization in an Alloploid Salamander (Ambystomatidae: Ambystoma) and Conservation Implications of Introgression in a Unisexual Vertebrate
title_full Spatio‐Temporal Patterns of Hybridization in an Alloploid Salamander (Ambystomatidae: Ambystoma) and Conservation Implications of Introgression in a Unisexual Vertebrate
title_fullStr Spatio‐Temporal Patterns of Hybridization in an Alloploid Salamander (Ambystomatidae: Ambystoma) and Conservation Implications of Introgression in a Unisexual Vertebrate
title_full_unstemmed Spatio‐Temporal Patterns of Hybridization in an Alloploid Salamander (Ambystomatidae: Ambystoma) and Conservation Implications of Introgression in a Unisexual Vertebrate
title_short Spatio‐Temporal Patterns of Hybridization in an Alloploid Salamander (Ambystomatidae: Ambystoma) and Conservation Implications of Introgression in a Unisexual Vertebrate
title_sort spatio temporal patterns of hybridization in an alloploid salamander ambystomatidae ambystoma and conservation implications of introgression in a unisexual vertebrate
topic allopolyploid
Ambystoma
conservation
genetic leakage
gynogenesis
hybrid zone
url https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70765
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