New data confirm undescribed Triturus species

F

FrogEyes

Active member
Joined
Sep 5, 2010
Messages
908
Reaction score
41
Points
28
Location
Southern Minnesota
Country
Canada
Published today:

Wielstra B, Beukema W, Arntzen JW, Skidmore AK, Toxopeus AG, et al. (2012) Corresponding Mitochondrial DNA and Niche Divergence for Crested Newt Candidate Species. PLoS ONE 7(9): e46671. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0046671​



Abstract:​
Genetic divergence of mitochondrial DNA does not necessarily correspond to reproductive isolation. However, if mitochondrial DNA lineages occupy separate segments of environmental space, this supports the notion of their evolutionary independence. We explore niche differentiation among three candidate species of crested newt (characterized by distinct mitochondrial DNA lineages) and interpret the results in the light of differences observed for recognized crested newt species. We quantify niche differences among all crested newt (candidate) species and test hypotheses regarding niche evolution, employing two ordination techniques (PCA-env and ENFA). Niche equivalency is rejected: all (candidate) species are found to occupy significantly different segments of environmental space. Furthermore, niche overlap values for the three candidate species are not significantly higher than those for the recognized species. As the three candidate crested newt species are, not only in terms of mitochondrial DNA genetic divergence, but also ecologically speaking, as diverged as the recognized crested newt species, our findings are in line with the hypothesis that they represent cryptic species. We address potential pitfalls of our methodology.

Basically, the authors show that not only does Triturus karelinii sensu lato consist of three mitochondrial DNA lineages, but that each of those lineages occupies a unique environment, being roughly as distinct from one another as are the other recognized species.

Not mentioned is the fact that their "Western T.karelinii" has already been named and recognized as T.arntzeni. The eastern species remains unnamed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
General chit-chat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
  • Shane douglas:
    with axolotls would I basically have to keep buying and buying new axolotls to prevent inbred breeding which costs a lot of money??
     +1
    Unlike
  • Thorninmyside:
    Not necessarily but if you’re wanting to continue to grow your breeding capacity then yes. Breeding axolotls isn’t a cheap hobby nor is it a get rich quick scheme. It costs a lot of money and time and deditcation
     +1
    Unlike
  • stanleyc:
    @Thorninmyside, I Lauren chen
     +1
    Unlike
  • Clareclare:
    Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus Japanese . I'm raising them and have abandoned the terrarium at about 5 months old and switched to the aquatic setups you describe. I'm wondering if I could do this as soon as they morph?
     +1
    Unlike
    Clareclare: Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus... +1
    Back
    Top