Morphological variation in two genetically distinct groups of the golden-striped salamander, Chioglossa lusitanica (Amphibia : Urodela)

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2005

Authors

Alexandrino, J (Author) Other; ferrand, n (Author) FCUP; Arntzen, JW (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Contributions to Zoology

Vol. 74

Pages: 213-222

ISSN: 1383-4517

Publisher: Brill

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 8 Citations

Scopus - 10 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-5FT

Abstract (EN): 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.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10