Journal article
Geographic isolation after admixture generates a distinct lineage in an Atlantic Forest bird
Evolution, Forthcoming
24 Apr 2026
PMID: 42029077
Featured in Collection : Drexel's Newest Publications
Abstract
Although traditionally viewed as opposing divergence, hybridization can have diverse evolutionary outcomes. Yet its role in lineage divergence remains unclear. To investigate this process, we examined the evolutionary history of the Black-cheeked Gnateater (Conopophaga melanops) from the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil. The central subspecies, C. m. perspicillata, exhibits plumage traits intermediate to northern and southern populations, raising the question of whether this pattern reflects isolation-by-distance, recent hybridization, or past admixture. Using genome-wide markers from sequencing of ultraconserved elements along with phenotypic data, we assessed genetic structure and trait variation across the species' range. Our analyses reveal four population genetic clusters, with the two central clusters exhibiting clear signatures of historical admixture. Despite this admixture, central populations are genetically differentiated from northern and southern lineages and sing a distinct song, suggesting divergence following admixture or transgressive segregation. We propose that past hybridization followed by geographic isolation contributed to the formation of a divergent, reticulate lineage within the Black-cheeked Gnateater. This system provides an opportunity to investigate how gene flow and allopatric divergence interact to shape lineage diversity and offers a natural framework for testing the conditions under which reticulate lineages may emerge, persist, and diverge.
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Details
- Title
- Geographic isolation after admixture generates a distinct lineage in an Atlantic Forest bird
- Creators
- Rafael D Lima (Corresponding Author) - The University of Texas at El PasoFernanda Bocalini - São Paulo Museum of ArtVitor Gomes - São Paulo Museum of ArtEmily N Ostrow - Drexel UniversityTherese A Catanach - Drexel UniversityJason D Weckstein - Drexel UniversityLuís Fábio Silveira - São Paulo Museum of ArtVítor Q Piacentini - Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso
- Publication Details
- Evolution, Forthcoming
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Number of pages
- 15
- Grant note
- NSF: DEB-1503804, DEB-1855812, DEB-2203228 Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientfico e Tecnolgico: 381507/2024-6, 206689/2014-4 Fundao de Amparo Pesquisa do Estado de So Paulo: 2017/23548-2, 2021/10339-1, 2020/16065-8, 06/60300-4
DNA extraction and sequencing were funded by Fundac & atilde;o de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de S & atilde;o Paulo (FAPESP grant no. 2017/23548-2 to LFS) and startup funds provided by Drexel University and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University to J.D.W. The authors also thank FAPESP, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq), Coordenac & atilde;o de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES), and the US National Science Foundation (NSF) for financial support (FAPESP grant no. 2021/10339-1 and CNPq grant no. 381507/2024-6 to R.D.L.; FAPESP grant no. 2020/16065-8 to F.B.; FAPESP grant no. 06/60300-4, CAPES Program PNPD, and CNPq grant no. 206689/2014-4 to V.Q.P.; NSF grants no. DEB-1503804 and DEB-1855812 to J.D.W.; and NSF grant no. DEB-2203228 to T.A.C. and J.D.W.).
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science (BEES); Ornithology; Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001756435200001
- Other Identifier
- 991022176966304721