Hybridization generates a hopeful monster: a hermaphroditic selfing cichlid

• Compared with other phylogenetic groups, self-fertilization (selfing) is exceedingly rare in vertebrates and is known to occur only in one small clade of fishes. Here we report observing one F-1-hybrid individual that developed into a functional hermaphrodite after crossing two closely-related sexually reproducing species of cichlids. Microsatellite alleles segregated consistent with selfing and Mendelian inheritance and we could rule out different modes of parthenogenesis including automixis. We discuss why selfing is not more commonly observed in vertebrates in nature, and the role of hybridization in the evolution of novel traits.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Zoologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Zoology (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

colour polymorphism

disorders of sex development

Pundamilia pundamilia x Neochromis omnicaeruleus

self-fertilization

selfing

transgressive segregation

facultative parthenogenesis

kryptolebias-marmoratus

sex-differentiation

fish

evolution

animals

hybrids

fertilization

selection

color

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)