Raciation and speciation in house mice from the Alps: the role of chromosomes

摘要: There are at least 24 different karyotypic races of house mouse in the central Alps, each characterized by a complement ancestral acrocentric and derived metacentric chromosomes; altogether 55 chromosomes have been described from region. We argue that this chromosome variation largely arose situ. If these were to make contact, most cases they would produce F1 hybrids with substantial infertility (sometimes complete sterility), due nondisjunction germ cell death associated formation long-chain and/or ring configurations meiosis. present fertility estimates confirm for two particular hybrid types, one which demonstrates male-limited sterility (in accordance Haldane's Rule). As well as model speciation allopatry, Alpine populations interest regards parapatry: we discuss possible reinforcement event. Raciation mice appears happened on numerous occasions within Alps. To investigate source new races, use two-dimensional stepping stone examine generation recombinant chromosomal zones. Using field-derived ecological data laboratory-derived estimates, show can be generated reasonable frequency simulations. Our complements others developed flowering plants also emphasize potential zones generating stable forms.