Influence of genome and bio-ecology on the prevalence of genome exchange in unisexuals of the Ambystoma complex

BACKGROUND: Unisexuals of the blue-spotted salamander complex are thought to reproduce by kleptogenesis. Genome exchanges associated with this sperm-dependent mode of reproduction are expected to result in a higher genetic variation and multiple ploidy levels compared to clonality. However, the existence of some populations exclusively formed of genetically identical individuals suggests that factors could prevent genome exchanges. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of genome exchange among unisexuals of the Ambystoma laterale-jeffersonianum complex from 10 sites in the northern part of their distribution. RESULTS: A total of 235 individuals, including 207 unisexuals, were genotyped using microsatellite loci and AFLP. Unisexual individuals could be sorted in five genetically distinct groups, likely derived from the same paternal A. jeffersonianum haplome. One of these groups exclusively reproduced clonally, even when found in sympatry with lineages presenting signature of genome exchange. Genome exchange was site-dependent for another group. Genome exchange was detected at all sites for the three remaining groups. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of genome exchange appears to be associated with ecological conditions such as availability of effective sperm donors. Intrinsic genomic factors may also affect this process, since different lineages in sympatry present highly variable rate of genome exchange. The coexistence of clonal and genetically diversified lineages opens the door to further research on alternatives to genetic variation. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-018-1200-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.