Loading...
Publication
Global warming and chromosomal inversion adaptation in isolated islands: Drosophila subobscura populations from Madeira
| Name: | Description: | Size: | Format: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 326.18 KB | Adobe PDF |
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Global warming is an environmental phenomenon to which species must adapt to survive. Drosophila sub obscura presents an adaptive capacity due to its chromosomal inversion polymorphism. Until now, the
impact of global warming on this polymorphism has been studied in D. subobscura populations located
either on a continental mainland or on islands not far from a continent. In this context, gene flow could be
a relevant mechanism allowing the movement of thermally adapted inversions between populations. Our
aim was to sample and study the chromosomal polymorphism on Madeira, a small isolated island in the
Atlantic Ocean. We compared our findings with those reported in the same location approximately four
and five decades ago. Moreover, we studied whether global warming has occurred on this island by analyz ing mean, maximum and minimum temperatures over a 55-year period. All atmospheric parameters have
increased significantly, consistent with climate change expectations. Frequencies and chromosomal thermal
index values of thermal adapted inversions remained quite stable over years. Furthermore, J, U and O chro mosomes are almost fixed for “warm” adapted inversions. Thus, if there is little genetic variability
remaining and temperatures continue increasing, island populations of D. subobscura might be on the
threshold of endangerment. However, apart from selection, genetic drift and inbreeding, other processes,
such as phenotypic plasticity or thermoregulatory behavior, could be involved in the survival of the species’
populations. Finally, although in danger, D. subobscura is a generalist that lives in humanized environ ments, and this fact could favor its persistence on Madeira Island.
Description
Keywords
Chromosomal inversion Climate change Selection Temperature Thermoregulatory behavior . Faculdade de Ciências da Vida
Citation
Madrenas, R., Balanyà, J., Arenas, C., Khadem, M., & Mestres, F. (2020). Global warming and chromosomal inversion adaptation in isolated islands: Drosophila subobscura populations from Madeira. Entomological Science, 23(1), 74-85.
Publisher
Wiley