History in the evolution of Apodemus sylvaticus (Mammalia) at one edge of its range

摘要: Apodemus sylvaticus (L.) is phenotypically and taxonomically uniform over a wide area in Europe, but it has been split into 15 races or subspecies the Hebridean Shetland groups of islands. It argued that with one conceivable exception (A. hirtensis St Kilda) these could not be pre-glacial survivors. Furthermore putative relationships different (as revealed by study population samples from 26 localities) make highly unlikely island are relicts an early post-glacial colonization. much more probable they were introduced man, Vikings their descendants seem most likely agents. Despite having isolated only during historical times, many quite distinct. suggested this consequence chance genetical differences among founding members each (irrespective any later adaptations), method whereby rapid changes gene frequencies can achieved, also provides example incipient speciation.