Genetic Population Structure of the Italian Wall Lizards <i>Podarcis siculus</i> (Squamata: Lacertidae): Insight From Nuclear DNA Markers.

ABSTRACT: Since the Quaternary, recurrent climatic oscillations have profoundly shaped species distributions across the Mediterranean basin, generating complex phylogeographic patterns through repeated cycles of range contraction and expansion. The Italian Peninsula, characterized by a highly heterogeneous topography and a mosaic of glacial refugia, has emerged as a hotspot of intraspecific genetic diversity. The Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus), a widespread species across the Italian Peninsula and adjacent islands, represents an excellent model for exploring these dynamics. Previous phylogeographic studies based on mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear (nuDNA) markers have revealed a highly structured matrilineal organization, with several parapatric lineages and subclades, but have also

SUBMITTER: Senczuk G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12808333 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature