Evolutionary history of the fish genus Astyanax Baird & Girard (1854) (Actinopterygii, Characidae) in Mesoamerica reveals multiple morphological homoplasies.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mesoamerica is one of the world's most complex biogeographical regions, mostly due to its complex geological history. This complexity has led to interesting biogeographical processes that have resulted in the current diversity and distribution of fauna in the region. The fish genus Astyanax represents a useful model to assess biogeographical hypotheses due to it being one of the most diverse and widely distributed freshwater fish species in the New World. We used mitochondrial and nuclear DNA to evaluate phylogenetic relationships within the genus in Mesoamerica, and to develop historical biogeographical hypotheses to explain its current distribution.

Results

Analysis of the entire mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) gene in 208 individuals from 147 localities and o

SUBMITTER: Ornelas-Garcia CP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2657800 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature