Evidence of introgressive hybridization between Stenella coeruleoalba and Delphinus delphis in the Greek Seas
2018
Abstract Natural interspecific
hybridizationmight be more important for the evolutionary history and speciation of animals than previously thought, considering several demographic and life history traits as well as habitat disturbance as factors that promote it. In this aspect, cetaceans comprise an interesting case in which the occurrence of sympatric species in mixed associations provides excellent opportunities for interspecific sexual interaction and the potential for
hybridization. Here, we present evidence of natural
hybridizationfor two cetacean species commonly occurring in the Greek Seas (
Stenella coeruleoalbaand
Delphinus delphis), which naturally overlap in the Gulf of Corinth by analyzing highly resolving microsatellite DNA markers and mitochondrial DNA sequences in skin samples from 45 individuals of S. coeruleoalba , 12 D.
delphisand three intermediate
morphs. Employing several phylogenetic and population genetic approaches, we found 15 individuals that are potential
hybridsincluding the three intermediate
morphs, verifying the occurrence of natural
hybridizationbetween species of different genera. Their
hybridsare fertile and able to reproduce not only with the other
hybridsbut also with each of the two-parental species. However, current evidence does not allow firm conclusions whether
hybridizationmight constitute a step towards the generation of a new species and/or the swan song of an already existing species ( i.e ., D.
delphis). Given that the focal species form mixed pods in several areas of Mediterranean, this study is an excellent opportunity to understand the mechanisms leading to
hybridizationin the context of gene flow and urges for the evaluation of the genetic status of
common dolphinsin the Mediterranean.
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