Abstract
The understanding of the evolution of variable sex determination mechanisms across taxa requires comparative studies among closely related species. Following the fate of a known master sex-determining gene, we traced the evolution of sex determination in an entire teleost order (Esociformes). We discovered that the northern pike (Esox lucius) master sex-determining gene originated from a 65 to 90 million-year-old gene duplication event and that it remained sex linked on undifferentiated sex chromosomes for at least 56 million years in multiple species. We identified several independent species- or population-specific sex determination transitions, including a recent loss of a Y chromosome. These findings highlight the diversity of evolutionary fates of master sex-determining genes and the importance of population demographic history in sex determination studies. We hypothesize that occasional sex reversals and genetic bottlenecks provide a non-adaptive explanation for sex determination transitions.
Original language | English |
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Volume | 10 |
Pages (from-to) | e62858 |
ISSN | 2050-084X |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 28-Jan-2021 |
Thematic List 2020
- Water
- Other
Taxonomic list
- bony fishes (Osteichtyes)
Geographic list
- Europe
- New World (North, Central and South America)
Technological
- genetic technologies