Ecological and genetic divergence between two lineages of middle American tungara frogs Physalaemus (= Engystomops) pustulosus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Uncovering how populations of a species differ genetically and ecologically is important for understanding evolutionary processes. Here we combine population genetic methods (microsatellites) with phylogenetic information (mtDNA) to define genetic population clusters of the wide-spread Neotropical túngara frog (Physalaemus pustulosus). We measure gene flow and migration within and between population clusters and compare genetic diversity between population clusters. By applying ecological niche modeling we determine whether the two most divergent genetic groups of the túngara frog (1) inhabit different habitats, and (2) are separated geographically by unsuitable habitat across a gap in the distribution.

Results

Most population structure is captured by dividing all

SUBMITTER: Prohl H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2882927 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature