Genomic islets in a sea of introgressions between sympatric species

Abstract

In the conventional view, species are separate gene pools delineated by reproductive isolation (RI). However, species may also be delineated by merely a small set of "speciation genes" without full RI. It is thus important to know whether "good species" (defined by the "secondary sympatry" test) do continue to exchange genes. Here, we carry out sequencing and de novo high-quality assembly of the genomes of two closely related mangrove species (Rhizophora mucronata and R. stylosa). Whole-genome re-sequencing of individuals across their range on the tropical coasts shows their genomes to be well delineated in allopatry. They became sympatric in northeastern Australia but remain distinct species in contact. Nevertheless, their genomes harbor [~] 4,000 to 10,000 introgression blocks, each averaging only about 3-4 Kb. These fine-grained introgressions indicate that gene flow has continued long after speciation. Non-introgressable "genomic islets," averaging only 1.4 Kb, may contribute to speciation as they often harbor diverging genes underlying flower development and gamete production. In conclusion, RI needs not be the main criterion of species delineation even though all species would eventually be fully reproductively isolated.