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Data from: Mating patterns and post-mating isolation in three cryptic species of the Engystomops petersi species complex

Cite this dataset

Trillo, Paula A.; Narvaez, Andrea E.; Ron, Santiago R.; Hoke, Kim L. (2017). Data from: Mating patterns and post-mating isolation in three cryptic species of the Engystomops petersi species complex [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.1jt7m

Abstract

Determining the extent of reproductive isolation in cryptic species with dynamic geographic ranges can give us important insights into the processes that generate and maintain genetic divergence in the absence of severe geographic barriers. We studied mating patterns, propensity to crossbreed in nature and subsequent fertilization rates, as well as survival and development of hybrid F1 offspring for three species of the E. petersi species complex in Yasuní National Park, Ecuador. We found at least two species in five out of seven locations sampled, and 14.3% of the wild pairs genotyped were heterospecific crosses. We also found reduced fertilization rates in hybrid crosses between E. petersi females and E. “magnus” males, and between E. “magnus” females and E. “selva” males but not in the opposite hybrid crosses, suggesting asymmetric reproductive isolation for these species. Larval development time decreased in F1 hybrid crosses compared to conspecific F1s, but we did not find any reduction in larval survival or early metamorph survival. Our results show evidence of post-mating isolation for at least two hybrid crosses of the cryptic species we studied. The general decrease in fertilization rates in heterospecific crosses suggests that sexual selection and reinforcement might have not only contributed to the pattern of call variation and behavioral isolation we see between species today, but they may also contribute to further signal divergence and behavioral evolution, especially in locations where hybridization is common and fertilization success is diminished.

Usage notes

Funding

National Science Foundation, Award: IOS-0940466

Location

Yasuní National Park