Morphological variation in two genetically distinct groups of the golden-striped salamander, Chioglossa lusitanica (Amphibia : Urodela)
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Data
2005-01-01
Autores
Alexandrino, J.
Ferrand, N.
Arntzen, J. W.
Título da Revista
ISSN da Revista
Título de Volume
Editor
S P B Academic Publishing Bv
Resumo
Morphometric and colour pattern variation in the endemic Iberian salamander Chioglosso lusitanica is concordant with the genetic differentiation of two groups of populations separated by the Mondego river ill Portugal. Salamanders from the south have shorter digits than those from the north. Clinal variation with a south to north increase in limb. toe and finger length was found superiniposed on this dichotomy resulting in stepped clines for characters describing appendage size. Genetic variability was paralleled by colour pattern variability in the contact zone and in northern populations. To explain the observed parallels we invoke the neutral processes of vicariant isolation. admixture in a secondary contact zone, genetic drift in addition to selection acting along all environmental gradient. Morphological constraints imposed by a highly specialized ecological niche may explain why the genetic subdivision of C. lusitanica since the early, Pleistocene has remained fairly cryptic.
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Palavras-chave
Amphibia, Chioglossa lusitanica, clinal variation, colour pattern, golden-striped salamander, morphometrics
Como citar
Contributions To Zoology. Lelystad: S P B Academic Publishing Bv, v. 74, n. 3-4, p. 213-222, 2005.