Abstract Detail



Reproductive Processes

Abdelaziz, Mohamed [1], Muñoz-Pajares, A. Jesús [1], Bakkali, Mohammed [2].

Self-fertilization is not always a dead end: the evolution of outcrossing species in a selfing clade.

Since Darwin the shift from outcrossing to self-fertilization has been recognized as one of the most common evolutionary transitions in flowering plants. However, the lack of examples for transitions from self-fertilization to outcrossing in nature together with the population genetic theoretical framework, has made us consider it as a forbidden evolutionary path. Erysimum incanum species complex is a group composed by different selfing species with a widespread distribution in the Mediterranean basin. Only one entomophilous species with a tiny local distribution is found in the group: E. wilczekianum. Here we analyse the phylogenetic relationships between the species in the Incanum species complex using genomic tools. Using RNAseq we have also explored the gene expression differences between the populations of E. wilczekianum and E. incanum co-ocurring in North Africa. We identified potential genes underlying the differences between these species in their plant phenotypes and mating system strategies. We found evidences supporting that evolutionary transition to outcrossing in a selfing clade is possible in nature, giving us the opportunity to explore for the first time the mechanism, processes and consequences of this unknown evolutionary path.


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1 - University of Granada, Department of Genetics, Faculty of Sciences. Campus Fuentenueva, University of Granada, Granada, Granada, 18071, España
2 - University of Granada, Department of Genetics, Faculty of Sciences. Campus Fuentenueva, University of Granada, Granada, Granada, 18071, Spain

Keywords:
Outcrossing evolution.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: REP1, Reproductive Processes 1
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Wednesday, July 29th, 2020
Time: 11:15 AM
Number: REP1006
Abstract ID:504
Candidate for Awards:None


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