DOI: 10.5061/dryad.x0k6djhs2
title: Hybridization constrains the evolution of mimicry complexes in woodpeckers

description: The evolution of interspecific mimicry does not always result in perfect
 resemblance between mimics and models. Differences between members of a
 mimicry complex can be explained by genetic or developmental constraints.
 Alternatively, imperfect mimicry might be the outcome of a trade-off
 between multiple selective pressures. In this study, we explored the
 evolutionary conflict between mimicry and hybridization in woodpeckers.
 Based on the selective trade-off hypothesis, we expected that mimicry
 complexes will start to evolve once the constraint of maladaptive
 hybridization is relaxed. Hence, we predicted limited overlap in the
 divergence times between hybridizing species pairs and members of a
 mimicry complex. This prediction was supported by clear tipping point in
 the probability of hybridization and mimicry at ca. 9 million years of
 divergence. Around this timepoint, the probability of hybridization
 approaches zero while the probability of belonging to a mimicry complex
 increases. This finding is only correlational and remains to be confirmed
 in other taxonomic groups. Nonetheless, our results suggest a selective
 trade-off between evolving interspecific mimicry and avoiding maladaptive
 hybridization in woodpeckers.
description: We compiled a database of hybrid woodpeckers using the Serge
 Dumont Bird Hybrids Database (http://www.bird-hybrids.com/) and the Handbook of Avian Hybrids of the World (McCarthy 2006). For each hybrid record, we tracked down the original source and assessed its reliability. In addition, we compiled a list of woodpecker species that belong to a mimicry complex based on a literature search in Web of Science, using the search string “woodpecker* and mimic*”. For each pair of woodpecker species, we obtained divergence times from TimeTree version 5 (Kumar et al. 2022). To ensure consistent comparisons, most divergence times were based on the phylogenetic analyses of Dufort (2016), except for four species pairs in the genus <em>Melanerpes</em> (where we followed Navarro-Sigüenza et al. 2017).
description: # Hybridization constrains the evolution of mimicry complexes in
 woodpeckers Overview of
 reliability of records of woodpecker hybrids from the Serge Dumont Bird
 Hybrids Database () and the Handbook
 of Avian Hybrids of the World. For each species pair, we provide
 divergence times and geographical location (allopatric or sympatric. ##
 Description of the data and file structure Reliable records are
 highlighted in **green**, unreliable ones in **red**. This dataset
 consists of two files: * A Word-file with reliability descriptions of
 woodpecker hybrids. * An Excel-file with divergence times and geographical
 locations for each species pair. This file contains several tabs. * **All
 Species**: Overview of hybrid records for each species. If a hybrid record
 was present, its reliability was assessed. * **Hybrids**: Overview of all
 hybrid woodpecker combinations with an assessment of their reliability (OK
 or not reliable). Divergence times and accompanying references are
 mentioned. Missing divergence times are indicated as n/a. * **Mimicry**:
 Overview of all mimicry woodpecker combinations. Divergence times and
 accompanying references are mentioned. * **Logistic regression**: List of
 species pairs with their divergence times (and supporting reference),
 whether they hybridize (0 or 1), whether they belong to a mimicry complex
 (0 or 1) and their distribution (allopatric or sympatric). This dataset
 was used as input for a logistic regression in the manuscript. *
 **Distribution Divergence Times**: List of species pairs with their
 divergence times and whether they hybridize (H) or belong to a mimicry
 complex (M). This dataset was used as input for a statistical comparison
 of distributions in the manuscript.