Sympatric sister species in rodents are more chromosomally differentiated than allopatric ones: implications for the role of chromosomal rearrangements in speciation

Abstract

AbstractA meta‐analysis approach was used to test for chromosomal speciation in rodents. Forty‐one pairs of sister species, identified in the two most species‐rich rodent families (Cricetidae andMuridae), were used as phylogenetically independent data points, each resulting from a speciation event. About 30% of sister species have an identical karyotype. There was a significant difference in the number of chromosomal differences between sympatric and allopatric sister species, compatible with a direct role of chromosomal rearrangements in speciation.