Abstract
The degree of genetic similarity between closely related species may reveal past evolutionary processes, such as modes and mechanisms of speciation. To investigate patterns of speciation in a chromosomally diverse species complex, we analyzed allozymic variation in Clarkia nitens, C. speciosa, and Polyantha-North, a race that combines features of both species. Eight enzymes encoded by 17 loci were examined. Populations of all three taxa maintain high levels of genetic variation. Although frequencies of common alleles were generally consistent among the three taxa, several relatively rare alleles exhibited clinal variation throughout the complex. Nei's genetic iden- tities indicate very high genetic similarity among populations of each taxon: 0.98 for C. speciosa, 0.96 for Polyantha-North, and 0.95 for C. nitens. Genetic identities among taxa were also high: 0.94 between C. speciosa and C. nitens, 0.95 between Polyantha-North and C. nitens, and 0.97 between Polyantha-North and C. speciosa. The chromosomal distinctness and genetic similarity of Clarkia nitens and C. speciosa support a model of rapid speciation.
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