Plant adaptation and speciation studied by population genomic approaches

We review recent studies on adaptation and speciation using population genomics —the analysis of whole‐genome polymorphism data from large population samples. Population genomics datasets enable us to (a) perform genome‐wide association studies to find genes underlying adaptive phenotypic variations, (b) scan the footprints of selection across the genome to pinpoint loci under selection, and (c) infer the demographic history of populations by coalescent‐based statistical modeling. Ever since Darwin, one of the major challenges in evolutionary biology is to unravel the process and mechanisms of adaptation and speciation. Population genomics —the analysis of whole‐genome polymorphism data from large population samples—is a critical approach to study adaptation and speciation, as population genomics datasets enable us to: (1) perform genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) to find genes underlying adaptive phenotypic variations; ( 2) scan the footprints of selection across the genome to pinpoint loci under selection; and (3) infer the structure and demographic history of populations. Here, we review recent studies of plants using population genomics, covering those focusing on interactions with other organisms, adaptations to local climatic conditions, and the genomic causes and consequences of reproductive isolation. Integrative studies involving GWAS, selection scans, functional studies, and fitness measurements in the field have successfully identified loci for...

Source: Development, Growth and Differentiation - November 25, 2018 Category: Research Authors: Masaru Bamba, Yawako W. Kawaguchi, Takashi Tsuchimatsu Tags: INVITED REVIEW Source Type: research