RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Climate change promotes hybridisation between deeply divergent species
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 066258
DO 10.1101/066258
A1 Canestrelli, Daniele
A1 Bisconti, Roberta
A1 Chiocchio, Andrea
A1 Maiorano, Luigi
A1 Zampiglia, Mauro
A1 Nascetti, Giuseppe
YR 2017
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2017/03/08/066258.abstract
AB Rare hybridisations between deeply divergent animal species have been reported for decades in a wide range of taxa, but have often remained unexplained, mainly considered chance events and reported as anecdotal. Here, we combine field observations with long-term data concerning natural hybridizations, climate, land-use, and field-validated species distribution models for two deeply divergent and naturally sympatric toad species in Europe (Bufo bufo and Bufotes viridis species groups). We show that climate warming and seasonal extreme temperatures are conspiring to set the scene for these maladaptive hybridisations, by differentially affecting life-history traits of both species. Our results identify and provide evidence of an ultimate cause for such events, and reveal that the potential influence of climate change on interspecific hybridisations goes far beyond closely related species. Furthermore, climate projections suggest that the chances for these events will steadily increase in the near future.