Allopatric origin of sympatric whitefish morphs with insights on the genetic basis of their reproductive isolation

Abstract

AbstractThe European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) species complex is a classic example of recent adaptive radiation. Here we examine a whitefish population introduced to northern Finnish Lake Tsahkal in late 1960’s, where three divergent morphs (viz. littoral, pelagic and profundal feeders) were found ten generations after. Using demographic modelling based on genomic data we show that whitefish morphs evolved during a phase of strict isolation, refuting a rapid symmetric speciation scenario. The lake is now an artificial hybrid zone between morphs originated in allopatry. Despite their current syntopy, clear genetic differentiation remains between two of the three morphs. Using admixture mapping three quantitative trait loci associated with gonad weight variation, a proxy for sexual maturity and spawning time, were identified. We suggest that ecological adaptations in spawning time evolved in allopatry are currently maintaining partial reproductive isolation in the absence of other barriers to gene flow.