Hybrid origin of a primate, the gray snub-nosed monkey

Hybridization is widely recognized as promoting both species and phenotypic diversity. However, its role in mammalian evolution is rarely examined. We report historical hybridization among a group of snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus) that resulted in the origin of a hybrid species. The geographically isolated gray snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus brelichi shows a stable mixed genomic ancestry derived from the golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) and the ancestor of black-white (Rhinopithecus bieti) and black snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus strykeri). We further identified key genes derived from the parental lineages, respectively, that may have contributed to the mosaic coat coloration of R. brelichi, which likely promoted premating reproductive isolation of the hybrid from parental lineages. Our study highlights the underappreciated role of hybridization in generating species and phenotypic diversity in mammals.

Automated summary

It is discovered that historical hybridization occurred among a group of snub-nosed monkeys, leading to the origin of a hybrid species. The gray snub-nosed monkey has a stable mixed genomic ancestry derived from the golden snub-nosed monkey, the ancestor of black-white and black snub-nosed monkeys. Genes derived from the parental lineages have been identified, potentially contributing to the mosaic coat coloration of the hybrid and promoting reproductive isolation. This study highlights the underappreciated role of hybridization in generating species and phenotypic diversity in mammals.