Data from: Individual performance in relation to cytonuclear discordance in a northern contact zone between long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) lineages

Our previous survey of genetic variation in the long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) highlighted a potential case of cytonuclear discordance between two lineages in western Canada. Here, we use additional markers and samples to clarify the extent of this discordance. We simultaneously assess the feeding performance of individuals in a common environment to test for an association between mitotype and individual performance.

The genetic results confirm a general pattern of cytonuclear discordance in the focal region. However, we also observed more limited introgression of a diagnostic nuclear marker. Intriguingly, although there were differences in individual performance associated with the transition between mitotypes, these differences were not fully explained by mitotype.

Instead, the lowest performance was observed in individuals demonstrating the greatest mismatch between mtDNA and all nuclear markers, suggesting the potential for cytonuclear incompatibilities to be acting. These results highlight the complexity of understanding the causes and consequences of mtDNA introgression and cytonuclear discordance in contact zones.

Usage notes

Genetic data and results from feeding experiment The main folder contains a spreadsheet (saved as both and Excel file and a csv file) that lists the genetic ancestry of individuals in terms of mistype and three nuclear markers. This file also contains the details of the feeding experiment, including weekly mass measurements and final calculations of conversion efficiency. The main folder contains a subfolder called "AFLPs_Structure_Distruct".

Within this folder the input file for the STRUCTURE analyses ("structureMatrix") is saved as both and Excel and text file. Input parameter files for the STRUCTURE analysis are also provided. The file "Distruct_K2_outfile.txt" lists the final STRUCTURE ancestry scores used in Fig.2 with individuals in the same order as listed in STRUCTURE input file (this file was produced after running the STRUCTURE output through StructureHarvester, CLUMPP and DISTRUCT).

Lee-Yaw_Jacobs_Irwin_MEC2014.zip