Multilocus phylogeography of the Patagonian lizard complex Liolaemus kriegi (Iguania: Liolaemini). (30th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Medina, Cintia D.; Avila, Luciano J.; Sites, Jack W.; Morando, Mariana
• Is Part Of: Biological journal of the Linnean Society. Volume 113:Number 1(2014:Sep.)
• Page Start: 256
• Page End: 269
• Publication Date: 2014-06-30
• Subjects: Biology -- Periodicals; Evolution (Biology) -- Periodicals; 570
• DOI: 10.1111/bij.12285
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0024-4066

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>This study presents a detailed phylogeographical analysis of one of the most conspicuous groups of lizards in northwestern Patagonia, the <italic>Liolaemus kriegi</italic> complex. This region is geographically very complex as a result of Andean orogeny and subsequent volcanism coupled with a long history of glaciations and climatic changes. For 247 individuals we sequenced one mitochondrial gene (cytochrome <italic>b</italic>) and for a subset we sequenced another mitochondrial gene [12S ribosomal RNA (12S)] and two nuclear fragments [kinesin family member 24 (KIF24) and BA3 ribosomal RNA (BA3)]. We obtained gene trees and mitochondrial and nuclear haploytpe networks, and estimated genetic distances between the main lineages and basic molecular diversity indices. We also performed spatial analysis of molecular variance (SAMOVA) and Bayesian Skyline Plot (BSP) analyses, and concordant patterns from different lines of evidence permitted delimitation of seven lineages: two described species, <italic>Liolaemus buergeri</italic> and <italic>Liolaemus tregenzai</italic>; four candidate species, <italic>Liolaemus</italic> sp. A, <italic>Liolaemus</italic> sp. B, <italic>Liolaemus</italic> sp. C, and <italic>Liolaemus</italic> sp. D; and one lineage that includes all individuals from the geographical range of <italic>Liolaemus ceii</italic> and <italic>L. kriegi</italic>, referred to as <italic>L. kriegi</italic> <italic>+</italic> <italic>L. ceii</italic>. We discuss the evolutionary processes that may contribute to the origin of these lineages and their taxonomic and conservation implications. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, <italic>Biological Journal of the Linnean Society</italic>, 2014, <bold>113</bold>, 256–269.</p> </abstract>