Comparison of recombination rates in multiple populations of honey bees, Apis mellifera

Meiotic recombination is an important mechanism for increasing genetic diversity in populations.  Recombination rates are exceptionally high in eusocial insects, such as ants and bees. Multiple explanations for this observation have been suggested but we still do not understand the significance these high recombination rates.  The Western Honey Bee, Apis mellifera, in particular exhibits an exceptionally high rate of recombination and is of special interest due to its agricultural and economic significance. Though several studies have investigated individual populations of A. mellifera, none have sought to systematically compare the recombination rates of multiple populations.  Therefore, we selected specific populations with different evolutionary histories from different continents to quantify and compare recombination rates. Specifically, we set out to test the hypothesis that a history of strong selection further elevates the already high recombination rate of honey bees. Using a combination of genome-wide quantifications of recombination rates in one colony per population with RAD-tag sequencing and cursory microsatellite genotyping of the remaining colonies to quantify recombination rates at select genome regions, we provide the first comprehensive data set that allows inferences on the intraspecific dynamics of recombination in the exceptional honey bee case. The results contribute to our understanding of the relation between sociality and recombination rates, as well as insect genome evolution in general.