Can phenotypic differences predict genetic clade membership in the ultramarine grosbeak (Cyanocompsa brissonii)?

GARCÍA, NATALIA C.; LAVINIA, PABLO D.; NATALIA TRUJILLO-ARIAS; KOPUCHIAN, CECILIA; TUBARO, PABLO L.

Congreso; 7th International Barcode of Life Conference; 2017

Background: The ultramarine grosbeak (Cyanocompsa brissonii) is asongbird of the family Cardinalidae endemic to South America. It isdivided into five subspecies, based on morphology and plumage coloration. A regional-scale study of DNA barcodes showed that there aretwo clades of C. brissonii in Argentina, with more than 2% geneticdivergence and no apparent geographical barriers that could impedethe gene flow between them. Here, we analyzed variation in COI aswell as in other mitochondrial and nuclear markers and assessed ifphenotypic variation (morphology, plumage coloration, and vocalizations) correlated with genetic variation. Results: We found two reciprocally monophyletic mitochondrial clades with high to maximumsupport within C. brissonii. Congruent with previous findings, Clade 1grouped individuals from northwestern Argentina, western Paraguay,and Bolivia, while Clade 2 included samples from northeastern Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia. Mean divergence between clades was2.43%, while average distance within them was 0.15% (Clade 1) and0.51% (Clade 2). No distinguishable clades were found using nuclearmarkers. In Corrientes province (Argentina) both clades meet, and thearea where individuals of both clades can be found extends at leastfrom the Paraná River to the Mburucuya National Park (50 km).Individuals from this area could not always be assigned correctly totheir genetic clade based on their phenotype, contrary to what happened with individuals from other regions. Significance: It has recently been estimated that the actual number of bird species might betwice that currently recognized. The correct delimitation and quantification of species is fundamental for evolutionary studies and conservation efforts. This study shows that DNA barcodes can play a fundamental role in detecting cryptic diversity and assessing species boundaries. It is worth mentioning that this is the first time individuals from the isolated population of Colombia are included in molecular analyses.