Parthenogenesis without costs in a grasshopper with hybrid origins

MR Kearney; ME Jasper; VL White; IJ Aitkenhead; MJ Blacket; JD Kong; SL Chown; AA Hoffmann

Journal article

Parthenogenesis without costs in a grasshopper with hybrid origins

MR Kearney, ME Jasper, VL White, IJ Aitkenhead, MJ Blacket, JD Kong, SL Chown, AA Hoffmann

Science | AMER ASSOC ADVANCEMENT SCIENCE | Published : 2022

DOI: 10.1126/science.abm1072

Abstract

The rarity of parthenogenetic species is typically attributed to the reduced genetic variability that accompanies the absence of sex, yet natural parthenogens can be surprisingly successful. Ecological success is often proposed to derive from hybridization through enhanced genetic diversity from repetitive origins or enhanced phenotypic breadth from heterosis. Here, we tested and rejected both hypotheses in a classic parthenogen, the diploid grasshopper Warramaba virgo. Genetic data revealed a single hybrid mating origin at least 0.25 million years ago, and comparative analyses of 14 physiological and life history traits showed no evidence for altered fitness relative to its sexual progenito..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Michael Kearney Author

Ary Hoffmann Author

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Grants

Awarded by Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment

Funding Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) (grants DP0450050 and DP0771924 to M.R.K.; grants DP160100279 and DP190100990 to M.R.K. and A.A.H.; grant LE150100083 to S.L.C., M.R.K., and A.A.H.; and grant DP140101240 to M.R.K. and S.L.C.); by an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship (J.D.K.); and by a Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment (J.D.K.).