Molecular Adaptation during a Rapid Adaptive Radiation

• DOI: 10.1093/molbev/mst013
• Publication Date: 2013-01-26T01:25:06Z
• Authors: Maxim V. Kapralov; Antonina A. Votin...; Dmitry A. Filatov
• Keywords: Adaptive Radiation; Adaptive Evolution; plant evolution; Negative selection; Positive selection; Rate of evolution

"Explosive" adaptive radiations on islands remain one of the most puzzling evolutionary phenomena and genetic processes behind such unclear. Rapid morphological ecological evolution during island suggests that many genes may be under fairly strong selection, although this remains untested. Here, we report a rapid recent diversification in Hawaiian endemic plant genus Schiedea (Caryophyllaceae), 5 36 studied evolved positive selection. Positively selected are involved defence mechanisms, photosynthesis, reproduction. Comparison with eight mainland groups demonstrates both relaxation purifying selection more widespread Schiedea. This provides compelling evidence protein-coding play significant role radiations.