Differential gene expression reveals mechanisms related to habitat divergence between hybridizing orchids from the Neotropical coastal plains.

This study sheds light on general mechanisms promoting ecological differentiation and assortative mating, and suggests candidate genes, such as those encoding catalase and calcium-dependent protein kinase, underling adaptation to harsh edaphic conditions in the Neotropical coastal plains. Moreover, it demonstrates that differential gene expression plays a central role in determining ecologically-based phenotypic differences among co-occurring species and their hybrids.