Abstract

Abstract Lacertca raddei and Lacerta nairensis have been recognized as two separate species based on morphology and behavior, and each has been implicated as a sexual parent of different parthenogenetic forms. However, recent mitochondrial DNA work failed to distinguish these two as separate species. We examined genetic diversity at 36 allozyme loci from six populations of L. nairensis and four populations of L. raddei. There were no fixed allelic differences between the two. Mean heterozygosity was slightly higher among populations of L. raddei than among populations of L. nairensis. A Distance Wagner phenogram showed that the northernmost population of L. raddei clustered with the L. nairensis populations; the other L. raddei populations clustered together. We suggest that L. raddei and L. nairensis may not be separate species, a finding which has important implications for determining the origins of some parthenogenetic Lacerta.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.