Rapid chromosomal evolution in island mice

Madeira is a small volcanic island in the Atlantic Ocean with steep mountains separating narrow valleys that are the only areas habitable by humans and their commensals. Here we show that house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) on Madeira have an unexpected chromosomal diversity, the evolution of which...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature (London) 2000-01, Vol.403 (6766), p.158-158
Main Authors: BRITTON-DAVIDIAN, J, CATALAN, J, DA GRACA RAMALHINHO, M, GANEM, G, AUFFRAY, J.-C, CAPELA, R, BISCOITO, M, SEARLE, J. B, DALUZMATHIAS, M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Atlantic Islands
Biological and medical sciences
Chromatin. Chromosome
Chromosomes
Evolution, Molecular
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Karyotyping
Mice - genetics
Molecular and cellular biology
Molecular genetics
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Summary:Madeira is a small volcanic island in the Atlantic Ocean with steep mountains separating narrow valleys that are the only areas habitable by humans and their commensals. Here we show that house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) on Madeira have an unexpected chromosomal diversity, the evolution of which is independent of adaptive processes, relying instead on geographic isolation and genetic drift. The evolution of animal species living on islands has given rise to spectacular examples of adaptive radiation in response to new physical and biotic environments. Natural selection is the main mechanism responsible for shaping these radiations, leading to accelerated rates of speciation, but non-adaptive processes may also play a part. We suggest that the extreme topography of Madeira has restricted the movement of mouse populations between valleys, setting the stage for extensive chromosomal radiation.
ISSN:0028-0836
1476-4687
DOI:10.1038/35003116