Ecological speciation in salmonids: the genomic background for the evolution of eco-morphs (38957)

Speciation is a fundamental evolutionary process continuously creating the diversity of life. Salmonid fishes have fascinated scientists for centuries due to their iconic and diverse set of habitats and eco-morphs. In addition, the salmonid lineage underwent two whole-genome duplication events that provided an enormous DNA template to support adaptive radiation and speciation. These assets make salmonids excellent model species for studying fundamental issues relating to adaptation and speciation in the wild.

This project took advantage of a unique set of replicated samples representing different migratory eco-morphs in two species of salmonids, state-of-the-art genomic techniques and novel statistical methods to
- infer the genomic extent of adaptive divergence between different migratory eco-morphs in salmonid species.
- infer the genomic architecture during the early stages of ecological speciation by comparing different ecomorphs.
- identify footprints of selection at genomic regions of importance for adapting to local environmental conditions.

Knowledge about the mechanisms and conditions required for species to evolve by adapting to new surroundings is of paramount importance for predicting future responses to climatically (or anthropogenically) induced environmental change.

The project was coordinated by DTU Aqua and funded by the Danish Council for Independent Research.

Research area: Population Genetics