Geographic Protein Variation and Divergence in the Salamanders of the Plethodon Weller Group (Amphibia, Plethodontidae)

摘要: Larson, A. and R. Highton (Department of Zoology, University Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742) 1978. Geographic protein variation divergence in the salamanders Plethodon welleri group (Amphibia, Plethodontidae). Syst. Zool. 27:431-448.-Variation 26 loci coding for production products is analyzed three populations dorsalis. Protein patterns are not consistent with morphological characters upon which taxonomic status these has been evaluated. The division P. into subspecies inconsistent electrophoretic data. dorsalis includes two groups whose greater than that observed any species previously studied. They do correspond recognized subspecies. Measures genetic identity (Nei's I) population subdivision (Wright's FST) indicate divided a number genetically isolated units. FST values reported this such previously. It suggested recognition denotes presence highly canalized phenotype maintained over diverse populations, rather homogeneous units other vertebrate species. Morphological appears to be unrelated amount electrophoretically detected differentiation occurring among group. [Electrophoresis; geographic variation; Amphibia; Plethodontidae.] analysis proteins vertebrates revealed widespread similarity, even throughout large ranges, most conspecific (Selander Johnson, 1973; Ayala, 1975). Electrophoretic differences degree levels division, exception morphologically different often distinct (Avise, 1974). Adaptive differentiation, however, produced speciation absence as demonstrated fishes by Avise et al. (1975) Kornfield Koehn (1975). when it occurs, usually accompanied divergence. studies conclusions based have overlooked caudate Amphibia, tend evolutionarily conser1 Present address: Department Genetics, California, Berkeley, California 94720. vative, having relatively low rates compared vertebrates. Recent evidence shows conservative organisms, may diverge without (Nixon Taylor, 1977); homogeneity does necessarily imply continuity populations. In present study, we evaluate genus Plethodon, general feature Plethodon. Our data also suggest bear little relationship some salamanders. major subdivisions reflect geographical distribution (eastern western) eastern grouped on basis size (large