Evolution of multiple postzygotic barriers between species of the Mimulus tilingii complex

Species are often defined by their ability to interbreed (i.e., Biological Species Concept), but determining how and why reproductive isolation arises between new species can be challenging. In the Mimulus tilingii species complex, three species (M. caespitosa, M. minor, and M. tilingii) are largely allopatric and grow exclusively at high elevations (>2000 m). The extent to which geographic separation has shaped patterns of divergence among the species is not well understood. In this study, we determined that the three species are morphologically and genetically distinct, yet recently diverged. Additionally, we performed reciprocal crosses within and between the species and identified several strong postzygotic reproductive barriers, including hybrid seed inviability, F1 hybrid necrosis, and F1 hybrid male and female sterility. In this study, such postzygotic barriers are so strong that a cross between any species pair in the M. tilingii complex would cause nearly complete reproductive isolation. We consider how geographical and topographical patterns may have facilitated the evolution of several postzygotic barriers and contributed to speciation of closely related members within the M. tilingii species complex.

Automated summary

The study found that the three species in the Mimulus tilingii species complex are morphologically and genetically distinct but recently diverged. Strong postzygotic barriers were identified through reciprocal crosses, leading to nearly complete reproductive isolation among any species pair in the complex. Geographical and topographical patterns may have played a role in facilitating the evolution of these barriers and contributing to speciation within the complex.