Chromosome Evolution of the Liolaemus monticola (Liolaemidae) Complex: Chromosomal and Molecular Aspects

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Chromosome variation is highly relevant for evolution because chromosomal mutations can influence speciation. Here, we assessed population cytogenetics in Liolaemus monticola, a lizard endemic to Chile that consists of several chromosomal races with highly polymorphic chromosome rearrangements. We sampled individuals from the northernmost distribution of the species to obtain chromosomes and mitochondrial gene sequences and compared the samples to previously published data from other populations across the distribution. Our results show the existence of seven differentiated races of L. monticola, each with unique chromosome characteristics and high levels of polymorphism. Interestingly, the geographical delimitation of the races is associated with the presence of rivers that could represent barriers to gene flow. Thus, our study highlights the importance of chromosomal mutations for population differentiation, and in turn, speciation. ABSTRACT: Chromosomal rearrangements can directly influence population differentiation and speciation. The Liolaemus monticola complex in Chile is a unique model consisting of several chromosome races arranged in a latitudinal sequence of increasing karyotype complexity from south to north. Here, we compared chromosomal and mitochondrial cytochrome b data from 15 localities across the northern geographic distribution of L. monticola. We expanded the distribution of the previously described Multiple Fissions race (re-described as MF2), in the Coastal range between the Aconcagua River and the Petorca River, and described a new Multiple Fissions 1 (MF1) race in the Andean range. Both races present centric fissions in pairs 1 and 2, as well as a pericentric inversion in one fission product of pair 2 that changes the NOR position. Additionally, we detected a new chromosomal race north of the Petorca River, the Northern Modified 2 (NM2) race, which is polymorphic for novel centric fissions in pairs 3 and 4. Our results increase the number of chromosomal races in L. monticola to seven, suggesting a complex evolutionary history of chromosomal rearrangements, population isolation by barriers, and hybridization. These results show the relevant role of chromosome mutations in evolution, especially for highly speciose groups such as Liolaemus lizards.