Genetic admixture predicts parasite intensity: evidence for increased hybrid performance in Darwin's tree finches

Author:

Peters Katharina J.12ORCID,Evans Christine12ORCID,Aguirre J. David2ORCID,Kleindorfer Sonia13ORCID

Affiliation:

1. College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia

2. School of Natural and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand

3. Konrad Lorenz Research Station and Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Austria

Abstract

Hybridization can increase adaptive potential when enhanced genetic diversity or novel genetic combinations confer a fitness advantage, such as in the evolution of anti-parasitic mechanisms. Island systems are especially susceptible to invasive parasites due to the lack of defence mechanisms that usually coevolve in long-standing host–parasite relationships. We test if host genetic admixture affects parasite numbers in a novel host–parasite association on the Galápagos Islands. Specifically, we compare the number of Philornis downsi in nests with offspring sired by Darwin's small tree finch ( Camarhynchus parvulus ), Darwin's medium tree finch ( C. pauper ) and hybrids of these two species. The number of P. downsi decreased with an increasing genetic admixture of the attending male, and nests of hybrid males had approximately 50% fewer parasites than C. parvulus nests, and approximately 60% fewer parasites than C. pauper nests. This finding indicates that hybridization in this system could be favoured by selection and reveal a mechanism to combat an invasive parasite.

Funder

Australian Research Council

Publisher

The Royal Society

Subject

Multidisciplinary

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