Larval Pigmentation Reveals Environmental and Genetic Influences in Hybridizing Ambystoma Salamanders.

ABSTRACT: Closely related species may produce hybrids, and these hybrids often display intermediate traits that can influence fitness and reproductive isolation. In this study, we examine Ambystoma barbouri and Ambystoma texanum, two sister salamander species that breed in contrasting aquatic habitats with differing levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. Although these species can hybridize, it remains unclear whether hybrid pigmentation responses to UVR confer an advantage, a disadvantage, or are simply intermediate between parental forms. Pigmentation in salamanders is regulated by chromatophores, melanophores, and xanthophores, which help mitigate UVR-induced damage. Given previous knowledge on the species, habitats, and behaviors, we hypothesized that: (1) A. barbouri</

SUBMITTER: Ascanio A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12318607 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature