Sympatric speciation as a consequence of male pregnancy in seahorses

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1131969100
• Publication Date: 2003-05-27T17:10:32Z
• Authors: Adam G. Jones; Glenn I. Moore; Charlotta Kvarnemo; DeEtte Walker; John C. Avise
• Keywords: Ecological speciation; Genetic algorithm; Disruptive selection

The phenomenon of male pregnancy in the family Syngnathidae (seahorses, pipefishes, and sea dragons) undeniably has sculpted course behavioral evolution these fishes. Here we explore another potentially important but previously unrecognized consequence pregnancy: a predisposition for sympatric speciation. We present microsatellite data on genetic parentage that show seahorses mate size-assortatively nature. then develop quantitative model based empirical findings to demonstrate speciation indeed can occur under this mating regime response weak disruptive selection body size. also evaluate phylogenetic evidence bearing by asking whether tiny seahorse species are sister taxa large relatives. Overall, our results indicate is plausible mechanism diversification seahorses, assortative (in case as result parental care) may warrant broader attention process some other taxonomic groups well.