Evidence for the Pleistocene Arc Hypothesis from genome-wide SNPs in a Neotropical dry forest specialist, the Rufous-fronted Thornbird (Furnariidae: Phacellodomus rufifrons).

摘要: South American dry forests have a complex and poorly understood biogeographic history. Based on the fragmented distribution of many Neotropical forest species, it has been suggested that this biome was more widely distributed contiguous under drier climate conditions in Pleistocene. To test scenario, known as Pleistocene Arc Hypothesis, we studied phylogeography Rufous-fronted Thornbird (Phacellodomus rufifrons), widespread bird with disjunct closely matching itself. We sequenced mtDNA used ddRADseq to sample 7,167 genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms from 74 P. rufifrons individuals across its range. found low genetic differentiation over two prominent geographic breaks - particularly 1,000 km gap between populations Bolivia Northern Peru. Using demographic analyses joint site frequency spectrum, evidence recent divergence without subsequent gene flow those breaks. By contrast, parapatric morphologically distinct northeastern Brazil show high flow. These results, combination our paleoclimate species modelling, support idea currently patches were connected past, probably during Middle Late This notion fits major predictions Hypothesis illustrates importance comprehensive genomic sampling for examining evolutionary questions ecosystems like forests.