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Abstract

Divergence in communication systems should influence the likelihood that individuals from different lineages interbreed, and consequently shape the direction and rate of hybridization. Here, we studied the role of chemical communication in hybridization, and its contribution to asymmetric and sexually selected introgression, between two lineages of the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis). Males of the two lineages differed in the chemical composition of their femoral secretions. Chemical profiles provided information regarding male secondary sexual characters, but the associations were variable and inconsistent between lineages. In experimental contact zones, chemical composition was weakly associated with male reproductive success, and did not predict the likelihood of hybridization. Consistent with these results, introgression of chemical profiles in a natural hybrid zone resembled that of neutral nuclear genetic markers overall, but one compound in particular (tocopherol methyl ether) matched closely the introgression of visual sexual characters. These results imply that associations between male chemical profiles, sexual characters and reproductive success largely reflect transient and environmentally driven effects, and that genetic divergence in chemical composition is largely neutral. We therefore suggest that femoral secretions in wall lizards primarily provide information about residency and individual identity rather than function as sexual signals.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	MacGregor, HEA and Lewandowsky, RAM and d'Ettorre, P and Leroy, C and Davies, NW and While, GM and Uller, T
Keywords:	femoral pores, hybrid zone, hybridization, pheromones, olfaction
Journal or Publication Title:	Evolution
Publisher:	Wiley-Blackwell Publishing
ISSN:	1558-5646
DOI / ID Number:	https://doi.org/10.1111/evo.13317
Copyright Information:	Copyright 2017 The Author(s). Evolution Copyright 2017 The Society for the Study of Evolution
Related URLs:	UTAS Profile: Davies, NW Google Scholar: While, GM UTAS Profile: While, GM
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