Biodiversity is represented as a 'braided delta' of evolutionary lineages linked by hybridization and introgression, contributing to adaptation and speciation. Homoploid hybrid speciation, especially in animals, is rare but evidenced in Heliconius butterflies through introgression of adaptive traits.
Introgression of key adaptive traits from H. melpomene caused H. elevatus to diverge from H. pardalinus, establishing a new, stable hybrid species despite ongoing gene flow. The study presents evidence for homoploid hybrid speciation in animals.
The research showcases how the introgression of ecological isolating traits from one species led to the establishment of a new stable hybrid species. Evolutionary relationships and geographical distributions highlight the divergence of Heliconius butterflies.
Genomic analysis reveals distinct clusters in both H. elevatus and H. pardalinus, indicating the impact of introgression in driving speciation and establishing new hybrid species.
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