A comparison of chromosomal and allozymal variation across a narrow hybrid zone in the grasshopper Caledia captiva

Abstract

A hydrid zone between the Moreton and Torresian taxa of the grasshopper Caledia captiva in S.E. Queensland has been characterised in terms of allozyme and chromosome variation within the same individuals.--On chromosomal criteria (pericentric rearrangements), the zone is asymmetrical with evidence of high levels of introgression of Torresian chromosomes into the Moreton taxon. This is apparent from the analysis of two independent transects across the hydrid zone. Major changes in chromosomal frequency occur over distances of less than 0.5 km. and the level of introgression differs between the two transects, with much higher levels in the northern Moreton populations, characterised by an acrocentric X-chromosome, when compared with the southern metacentric-X Moreton populations. Chromosome analysis of samples taken from the same transect over two years has revealed no major changes in the structure of the zone. Moreover, a Moreton population located only 0.5 km. from the null point was found to be stable over 6 generations with evidence for a new balanced genome having originated following the differential incorportation of Torresian chromosomes.--Contrary to the chromosomal situation, the same hybrid zone was found to be symmetrical with respect to allozyme variation with evidence of movement of diagnostic alleles in both directions across the zone. The alleles are independent and not tightly linked to any of the pericentric rearrangements. Thus these 5 alleles are acting as markers of the background genome and reveal the relatively free movement of genes which are located outside the pericentric rearrangements.--It is proposed that the hybrid zone in Caledia captiva is unstable and is moving slowly in a westerly direction into the Torresian territory. This is due to the ability of the Moreton taxon to incorporate more readily into its genome those Torresian chromosomes or chromosome segments which increase the fitness of the Moreton taxon. On chromosomal criteria, the Torresian taxon does not share the same capacity.--It is suggested that, so long as the two taxa retain their ability to hybridise with subsequent asymmetrical introgression, the zone will continue to move westwards and eventually lead to the selective incorporation of the Torresian genome into the Moreton taxon. This will result in a polymorphic situation with clinal variation in chromosomal frequencies. The structure of the zone is dependent upon a fine balance between genomic reorganisation in recombinant genotypes and the relative dispersal capacities of the two hydridising taxa.

Apparent introgression of mitochondrial DNA across a narrow hybrid zone in the Caledia captiva species-complex

“…Secondly, the hybrid zone may have moved southwards over a period of time, somehow leaving Moreton mtDNA behind in the swept area (this hypothesis is opposite to that proposed by Moran (1978 and1979), and Shaw et a!., 1979). To explain the penetration of mtDNA far beyond a (stationary) hybrid zone probably requires that a strong selective advantage be proposed for the invading mtDNA over the indigenous molecule; either an absolute superiority, a superiority in the recipient taxon's nuclear background, or a geographically local superiority.…”

Gene flow across a chromosomal tension zone. I. Relicts of ancient hybridization

“…Previously, allozyme differences Daly eta!., 1981), restriction-fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) (Arnold et a!., 1987a) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) (Marchant, 1988), and variation in the cytological distribution and associated DNA sequences of heterochromatin (Shaw et a!., 1976;Arnold and Shaw, 1985;Arnold, 1986) which distinguish Torresian from Moreton, have been described. The distributions of these markers along transects taken across the hybrid zone have been studied (Moran, 1979;Shaw et a!., 1979;Arnold et a!., 1987a;Marchant et a!., in preparation;Moran and Shaw, 1977). These analyses have found that the geographical change-over from insects having Torresian allozyme, rDNA and mtDNA markers, to those having Moreton markers, corresponds nearly to the null points shown by the frequencies of the chromosome structural markers (Shaw et a!., 1979;Shaw eta!., 1985).…”

“…The distributions of these markers along transects taken across the hybrid zone have been studied (Moran, 1979;Shaw et a!., 1979;Arnold et a!., 1987a;Marchant et a!., in preparation;Moran and Shaw, 1977). These analyses have found that the geographical change-over from insects having Torresian allozyme, rDNA and mtDNA markers, to those having Moreton markers, corresponds nearly to the null points shown by the frequencies of the chromosome structural markers (Shaw et a!., 1979;Shaw eta!., 1985).…”

Ribosomal RNA-encoding DNA introgression across a narrow hybrid zone between two subspecies of grasshopper

“…In particular, two subspecies (Moreton and Torresian) of C. captiva meet and form a zone of hybridization in southeast Queensland (4,5). These subspecies are differentiated at the level oftheir chromosome structure, the patterns of allozyme variation and by the distribution and abundance of highly repeated DNA sequences (6)(7)(8)(9). In laboratory hybridization experiments it has been demonstrated that the F2 generation is completely inviable, while the backcross generations show =50%o reduction in viability (10).…”