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Conservation of sex-linked markers among conspecific populations of a viviparous skink, Niveoscincus occllatus, exhibiting genetic and temperature-dependent sex determination

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posted on 2023-05-19, 17:34 authored by Peta Hill, Christopher BurridgeChristopher Burridge, Ezaz, T, Erik WapstraErik Wapstra
Sex determination systems are exceptionally diverse and have undergone multiple and independent evolutionary transitions among species, particularly reptiles. However, the mechanisms underlying these transitions have not been established. Here, we tested for differences in sex-linked markers in the only known reptile that is polymorphic for sex determination system, the spotted snow skink, Niveoscincus ocellatus, to quantify the genomic differences that have accompanied this transition. In a highland population, sex is determined genetically, whereas in a lowland population, offspring sex ratio is influenced by temperature. We found a similar number of sex-linked loci in each population, including shared loci, with genotypes consistent with male heterogamety (XY). However, population-specific linkage disequilibrium suggests greater differentiation of sex chromosomes in the highland population. Our results suggest that transitions between sex determination systems can be facilitated by subtle genetic differences.

Funding

Australia and Pacific Science Foundation

History

Publication title

Genome Biology and Evolution

Volume

10

Issue

4

Pagination

1079-1087

ISSN

1759-6653

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

Copyright 2018 The Authors. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Repository Status

  • Open

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences

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