The tip of the iceberg: genome wide marker analysis reveals hidden
hybridization during invasion
Abstract
Biological invasions are accelerating, and invasive species can have
large economic impacts as well as severe negative consequences for
biodiversity and ecosystems. During invasions, species can interact,
potentially resulting in hybridization. Here, we examined two Cakile
species, C. edentula and C. maritima (Brassicaceae), that co-occur and
may hybridize during range expansion in separate regions of the globe.
Cakile edentula invaded each location first, while C. maritima
established later, apparently replacing the former. We assessed the
evidence for hybridization in western North America and Australia, where
both species have been introduced, and identified source populations
with 4561 SNPs using Genotype-by-Sequencing. Our results indicate that
the C. edentula in Australia originated from one region of eastern North
America while in western North America it is likely from multiple
sources. The C. maritima in Australia were derived from at least two
different parts of Europe while the introduction in western North
America is from a distinct source. Although morphological evidence of
hybridization is generally limited to mixed populations in Australia and
virtually absent elsewhere, our genetic analysis revealed relatively
high levels of hybridization in Australia (34.13%), and supported the
presence of hybrids in western North America (16.18%) and New Zealand.
Hybrids might be commonly overlooked in invaders, as identification
based solely on morphological traits may represent only the tip of the
iceberg. Our study reveals a repeated pattern of invasion, hybridization
and apparent replacement of one species by another, which offers an
opportunity to investigate the role of hybridization and introgression
during invasion.