Intraspecies Genomic Divergence of a Fig Wasp Species Is Due to Geographical Barrier and Adaptation

Abstract

Understanding how intraspecies divergence results in speciation has great importance for our knowledge of evolutionary biology. Here we applied population genomics approaches to a fig wasp species (Valisia javana complex sp 1) to reveal its intraspecies differentiation and the underlying evolutionary dynamics. With re-sequencing data, we prove the Hainan Island population (DA) of sp1 genetically differ from the continental ones, then reveal the differed divergence pattern. DA has reduced SNP diversity but a higher proportion of population-specific structural variations (SVs), implying a restricted gene exchange. Based on SNPs, 32 differentiated islands containing 204 genes were detected, along with 1,532 population-specific SVs of DA overlapping 4,141 genes. The gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis performed on differentiated islands linked to three significant GO terms on a basic metabolism process, with most of the genes failing to enrich. In contrast, population-specific SVs contributed more to the adaptation than the SNPs by linking to 59 terms that are crucial for wasp speciation, such as host reorganization and development regulation. In addition, the generalized dissimilarity modeling confirms the importance of environment difference on the genetic divergence within sp1. Hence, we assume the genetic divergence between DA and the continent due to not only the strait as a geographic barrier, but also adaptation. We reconstruct the demographic history within sp1. DA shares a similar population history with the nearby continental population, suggesting an incomplete divergence. Summarily, our results reveal how geographic barriers and adaptation both influence the genetic divergence at population-level, thereby increasing our knowledge on the potential speciation of non-model organisms.

Genome‐wide sequence data show no evidence of hybridization and introgression among pollinator wasps associated with a community of Panamanian strangler figs

“…At this hybrid frequency, 77 wasps would need to be assayed to have a 50% chance of sampling at least one F1 individual. Nonetheless, consider that if F1 hybrids are formed at a frequency of 0.009, and if this represents the rate of gene migration ( m ) between wasp species, then, with the large effective size of fig wasp populations ( N e > 1000, Xun et al, 2021), the rate of effective gene flow ( N e m ) between species would be >9 and would be expected to greatly limit differentiation ( F ST < 0.03) between species (Wright, 1949). In fact, all of the wasp species in our study are highly genetically differentiated from each other (Figures 1–3).…”

Genomic diversity and structure of a Neotropical microendemic fig tree

“…On the other hand, south of the TMVB, specifically in Churumuco, the interplay of high temperatures and low precipitation can pose a significant challenge to the longevity of wasps. Despite their inherent mobility, these wasps, which typically live for a brief period (1–2 days) outside the syconium, are notably susceptible to abiotic stress (Gigante et al., 2021 ; Jevanandam et al., 2013 ; van Kolfschoten et al., 2022 ; Xu et al., 2021 ). Consequently, the environmental conditions in this region might diminish the lifespan of wasps and impact their dispersal capacity (Gigante et al., 2021 ; Xu et al., 2021 ).…”

“…Despite their inherent mobility, these wasps, which typically live for a brief period (1–2 days) outside the syconium, are notably susceptible to abiotic stress (Gigante et al., 2021 ; Jevanandam et al., 2013 ; van Kolfschoten et al., 2022 ; Xu et al., 2021 ). Consequently, the environmental conditions in this region might diminish the lifespan of wasps and impact their dispersal capacity (Gigante et al., 2021 ; Xu et al., 2021 ). This potential reduction in wasp longevity could be reflected in the high relatedness values observed among F .…”

“…(1-2 days) outside the syconium, are notably susceptible to abiotic stress(Gigante et al, 2021;Jevanandam et al, 2013;van Kolfschoten et al, 2022;Xu et al, 2021). Consequently, the environmental conditions in this region might diminish the lifespan of wasps and impact their dispersal capacity(Gigante et al, 2021;Xu et al, 2021). ThisF I G U R E 4 Genetic distances among sampling localities.…”