Mitochondrial sequence divergence among Antarctic killer whale ecotypes is consistent with multiple species.

ABSTRACT: Recently, three visually distinct forms of killer whales (Orcinus orca) were described from Antarctic waters and designated as types A, B and C. Based on consistent differences in prey selection and habitat preferences, morphological divergence and apparent lack of interbreeding among these broadly sympatric forms, it was suggested that they may represent separate species. To evaluate this hypothesis, we compared complete sequences of the mitochondrial control region from 81 Antarctic killer whale samples, including 9 type A, 18 type B, 47 type C and 7 type-undetermined individuals. We found three fixed differences that separated type A from B and C, and a single fixed difference that separated type C from A and B. These results are consistent with reproductive isolation among the differen

SUBMITTER: LeDuc RG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2610147 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature