Phylogenetic analysis of beak and feather disease virus across a host ring-species complex
Abstract
The roles of disease and species hybridization in maintaining biodiversity are of wide interest, yet are rarely studied simultaneously in wild populations. Using genomic analysis of beak and feather disease virus in an avian ring-species complex, Platycercus elegans, to our knowledge we find viral phylogenetic structure analogous to Mayr's ring-species hypothesis for the first time in any pathogen. Across 8 y, the host's viral prevalence and infection load was lower in hybrid birds and in phenotypically intermediate subspecies. Viral genetic variation did not explain host prevalence or infection load, supporting conclusions that the evolved host response is more important. We show how host-species complexes and viral genomic analyses can provide insight into maintenance of biodiversity.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- September 2014
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1403255111
- Bibcode:
- 2014PNAS..11114153E