Project

Research into the genetic and ecological mechanisms of sympatric divergence in the hoarse inhabit beetle Pogonus chalceus

Code
3F000610
Duration
01 October 2010 → 30 September 2014
Funding
Regional and community funding: Special Research Fund, Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Animal biology
Keywords
ecotypes sympatric divergence population genetics
 
Project description

Two different ecotypes of the saltmarsh beetle Pogonus chalceus diverged in at least two genetically encoded characteristics in response to disruptive selection. Variation in neutral genetic markers showed that both ecotypes evolved in sympatry. This model system therefore provides an excellent opportunity to test whether the assumptions for sympatric divergence actually occur in nature.