GENETIC VARIATION IN TWO CRYPTIC FORMS OF THE COMMON SPADEFOOT TOAD
PELOBATES FUSCUS (PELOBATIDAE, ANURA, AMPHIBIA) DEFFERING IN GENOME SIZE
M. D. Khalturin,1,* S. N. Litvinchuk,1 L. J. Barking 3
Yu. M. Rozanov,1 K. D. Milto 2
1 Institute of Cytology RAS, 2 Zoological Institute RAS, St. Petersburg, and
3 St. Petersburg Association of Scientists and Scholars;
* e-mail: mkh@medport.ru
Genetic differences (presumed 23 loci) between two cryptic forms of Pelobates fuscus, differing in genome
size, were examined by means of polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. This method allowed to discriminate between
these forms. Average genetic distance (DN) between both the forms was equal to 0.311, ranging
from 0.055 to 0.563. As a rule, differences within these groups were smaller (0.021-0.388). The data show obvious
genetic differentiation between these two cryptic forms of P. fuscus. Differences between these forms and
P. syriacus were significantly higher (in average 0.943). Genetic distances in relation to speciation and
species concepts are discussed.
Key words: cryptic forms, genome size, Pelobates fuscus
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