Tracking a Tarantula Diversification in a Neotropical Open Biome
Rafael Lima‐Vergilio, Lucas O. Mello, Stephanny S. Nobre, Millke J. A. Morales, Vera N. SolferiniABSTRACT
Aim
To investigate the lineages diversification of
Location
Caatinga, Northeast of Brazil.
Taxon
Methods
We used 96 individuals for genomic sequencing (GBS sequencing) and 39 individuals for COI mitochondrial marker sequencing. Population structure was inferred using STRUCTURE and SNMF approaches, and genetic diversity and diversification indices were calculated. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed with SNPs data and a Bayesian tree with mitochondrial data. To explore the demographic history, DIYABC was used, with a Random Forest (RF) classifier. Finally, we constructed Habitat Suitability models using five different algorithms to investigate present and past potential distributions.
Results
Analyses based on SNPs data and molecular markers revealed a fine‐scale structuring associated with the Caatinga ecoregions and a broader southwest–northeast structure presumably linked to the Chapada Diamantina Plateau and the palaeocourse of the São Francisco River. The southwest group is older and presents greater genetic diversity than the northeast lineage, which, according to demographic analyses, was originated by a founder event. Habitat suitability modelling indicated a contraction of the species' potential distribution during the Last Interglacial (ca. 130 ka) followed by expansion during the Last Glacial Maximum (ca. 21 ka).
Main Conclusions
The history of