High genetic differentiation among populations of the small cavy Microcavia australis occupying different habitats

摘要: The small cavy Microcavia australis, a social and fossorial rodent, inhabits large distribution range in South American arid zones. species is versatile coping with the seasonal spatial variability typical of these environments through changes morphology, physiology, behavior. In order to explore whether phenotypic variations are related evolutionary history species, we analyzed levels genetic divergence among four populations that differ climate habitat characteristics, two belonging highlands other from lowlands. We sequenced mitochondrial control region used Inter Simple Sequence Repeats technique study noncoding nuclear genome. Results both markers were consistent. Variability high for all populations, even higher lowland ones. Pairwise differentiation varied greatly, comparisons being statistically significant except highland populations. Seventeen haplotypes detected which displayed three clear lineages: corresponding each population one those highlands. Levels between pairs widely. Haplotypes showed mean sequence 1.4% 0.2% ones, whereas was around 9% when different altitudes compared. BEAST analysis support extant hypotheses suggesting forms clearly older than group. deep lineages poses need search new evidence properly defining taxonomic status divergent M. australis. J. Exp. Zool. 315:337–348, 2011. & 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. How cite this article: Sassi PL, Chiappero MB, Borghi C, Gardenal CN. High australis occupying habitats. 315:337–348. Environmental has been recognized as an ecological force plays key role processes at population, community, ecosystem (Avise, ’94). Environment-induced include physiological, morphological, behavioral variations. turn, responses organisms environment sustained by mechanistic bases lower biological organization, where link diversity its