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The evolution of sensory divergence in the context of limited gene flow in the bumblebee bat

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  • Sébastien J. Puechmaille

    (School of Biology and Environmental Science & UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
    Present address: Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Sensory Ecology Group, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany.)

  • Meriadeg Ar Gouilh

    (Center of Excellence for Vector and Vector-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University at Salaya
    Laboratory for Urgent Response to Biological Threats (CIBU), Institut Pasteur)

  • Piyathip Piyapan

    (Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University)

  • Medhi Yokubol

    (Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University)

  • Khin Mie Mie

    (Yangon University)

  • Paul J. Bates

    (Harrison Institute, Centre for Systematics and Biodiversity Research, Sevenoaks)

  • Chutamas Satasook

    (Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University)

  • Tin Nwe

    (Yangon University)

  • Si Si Hla Bu

    (Hinthada University)

  • Iain J. Mackie

    (Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Sustainability, Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen)

  • Eric J. Petit

    (University Rennes 1/CNRS, UMR 6553 ECOBIO, Station Biologique)

  • Emma C. Teeling

    (School of Biology and Environmental Science & UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.)

Abstract

The sensory drive theory of speciation predicts that populations of the same species inhabiting different environments can differ in sensory traits, and that this sensory difference can ultimately drive speciation. However, even in the best-known examples of sensory ecology driven speciation, it is uncertain whether the variation in sensory traits is the cause or the consequence of a reduction in levels of gene flow. Here we show strong genetic differentiation, no gene flow and large echolocation differences between the allopatric Myanmar and Thai populations of the world's smallest mammal, Craseonycteris thonglongyai, and suggest that geographic isolation most likely preceded sensory divergence. Within the geographically continuous Thai population, we show that geographic distance has a primary role in limiting gene flow rather than echolocation divergence. In line with sensory-driven speciation models, we suggest that in C. thonglongyai, limited gene flow creates the suitable conditions that favour the evolution of sensory divergence via local adaptation.

Suggested Citation

  • Sébastien J. Puechmaille & Meriadeg Ar Gouilh & Piyathip Piyapan & Medhi Yokubol & Khin Mie Mie & Paul J. Bates & Chutamas Satasook & Tin Nwe & Si Si Hla Bu & Iain J. Mackie & Eric J. Petit & Emma C. , 2011. "The evolution of sensory divergence in the context of limited gene flow in the bumblebee bat," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 2(1), pages 1-9, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:2:y:2011:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms1582
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1582
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