Extensive Admixture Among Karst-Obligate Salamanders Reveals Evidence of Recent Divergence and Gene Exchange Through Aquifers.

ABSTRACT: Karst ecosystems often contain extraordinary biodiversity, but the complex underground aquifers of karst regions present challenges for assessing and conserving stygobiont diversity and investigating their evolutionary history. We examined the karst-obligate salamanders of the Eurycea neotenes species complex in the Edwards Plateau region of central Texas using population genomics data to address questions about population connectivity and the potential for gene exchange within the underlying aquifer system. The E. neotenes species complex has historically been divided into three nominal species, but their status, and spatial extent of species ranges, have remained uncertain. We discovered evidence of extensive admixture among species within the complex and with adjacent line

SUBMITTER: Nice CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11717725 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature