BioOne.org will be down briefly for maintenance on 17 December 2024 between 18:00-22:00 Pacific Time US. We apologize for any inconvenience.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 May 2009 Diversification of Conspecific Signals in Sympatry: Geographic Overlap Drives Multidimensional Reproductive Character Displacement in Frogs
Emily Moriarty Lemmon
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Theoretical models suggest that geographic overlap with different heterospecific assemblages can promote divergence of mate recognition systems among conspecific populations. Divergence occurs when different traits undergo reproductive character displacement across populations within a contact zone. Here, I tested this hypothesis by assessing patterns of acoustic signal divergence in two- and three-species assemblages of chorus frogs (Pseudacris), focusing in particular on P. feriarum and P. nigrita. In addition, I tested one criterion for reinforcement, by examining the evolution of female P. feriarum preferences in the contact zone. Patterns of signal evolution indicated that in each of the four sympatric populations studied, only the rarer species displaced substantially (P. feriarum in three cases and P. nigrita in one instance). Moreover, the three displaced P. feriarum populations diverged in different signal traits across the contact zone, evolving in directions that increased the energetic cost of calling relative to the allopatric call, and in ways that maximized differences from the particular heterospecific assemblage present. Consistent with reinforcement, divergence of female preferences in sympatry was estimated to reduce their propensity to hybridize by 60%. Together, signal and preference data suggest that interactions between species can promote diversification within species, potentially contributing to reproductive isolation among conspecific populations.

© 2009 The Society for the Study of Evolution.
Emily Moriarty Lemmon "Diversification of Conspecific Signals in Sympatry: Geographic Overlap Drives Multidimensional Reproductive Character Displacement in Frogs," Evolution 63(5), 1155-1170, (1 May 2009). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1558-5646.2009.00650.x
Received: 23 July 2008; Accepted: 1 January 2009; Published: 1 May 2009
JOURNAL ARTICLE
16 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

KEYWORDS
acoustic signal
contact zone
female preference
multidimensional divergence
Pseudacris
reinforcement
Reproductive character displacement
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top