MITOCHONDRIAL-DNA VARIATION IN THE CRESTED NEWT SUPERSPECIES: LIMITED CYTOPLASMIC GENE FLOW AMONG SPECIES

摘要: The crested newt has a widespread European distribution and encompasses four taxa recently elevated to full species: Triturus cristatus, T. carnifex, dobrogicus, karelini. These are distinct on morphological, chromosomal, isozymic grounds have fairly sharp transition zones. A survey (12 countries, 49 geographic sites, 210 individuals) of mtDNA variation (20-27 restriction enzyme sites mapped per individual) was made in order 1) correlate with morphological features defining the species, 2) determine degree differentiation within among 3) detect any introgression species. mtDNAs these species were clearly differentiated (d = 3.9-7.1%). Additionally, structuring observed carnifex karelini, each displaying two divergent mitochondrial genome types 3.5% 4.7%, respectively). other (more northerly distributed) genetically homogeneous over most (T. cristatus) or all dobrogicus) their ranges. In case one may infer bottlenecking as result Pleistocene glaciation events. This also apply part but high population connectedness gene flow this lowland river alone be sufficient for homogenization mtDNA. Patterns largely concordant morphology; some interspecific observed, only close Analyses restriction-site data by UPGMA parsimony methods (using closely related marmoratus an outgroup) produce very similar dendrograms. levels divergence found concur systematics group, karelini is notable.