Range shift and introgression of three Japanese Abies species: insights from population genetic data and species distribution modeling

Range shifts during the Pleistocene shaped the unique phylogeographical structures of many species. Pleistocene range shifts gave currently allopatric species opportunities to occur in sympatry, likely resulting in ancient introgressions between related taxa. In our study, we investigate the range shifts and introgression patterns of three Japanese Abies species (A. firma, A. homolepis, and A. veitchii) by employing an extensive survey of 43 populations. This survey includes comprehensive analysis of both mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear (18 microsatellites) genomes, in combination with species distribution modeling (SDM). It is important to note that these two types of markers provide distinct and complementary information, as they have different modes of inheritance and mutation rates. Bayesian clustering analysis indicates that the three species were clearly separated, with the exception of the A. homolepis var. umbellata population, which is considered a natural hybrid between A. homolepis and A. firma. However, mtDNA haplotypes of the four northern populations of A. firma were entirely replaced by two major haplotypes of A. homolepis and A. veitchii. The results of neighbor-net, NewHybrids, STRUCTURE analyses, and SDM suggest that historical introgression between species occurred in each geographic region, with mtDNA capture being the likely mechanism. However, contrary to these findings, the ABC coalescent analysis did not support an ancient introgression. Therefore, further validation with genome-wide level data is needed to clarify this issue. Our conclusion is that climate-induced range shifts during the Pleistocene/Holocene likely played a crucial role in the observed patterns of introgression in these species.

Automated summary

This study investigates the range shifts and introgression patterns of three Japanese Abies species through a comprehensive survey of 43 populations and analyses of both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. The results suggest historical introgression between species in different geographic regions, with mitochondrial DNA capture being the likely mechanism. However, further validation with genome-wide level data is needed to clarify this issue. In conclusion, climate-induced range shifts during the Pleistocene/Holocene likely played a crucial role in the observed patterns of introgression in these species.