Allozyme Variation among Populations of Rana pirica (Amphibia: Anura)

Abstract

Genetic variation of Rana pirica , an east Asian brown frog of the R. temporaria group, was elucidated by analysing 140 specimens from 11 populations from Hokkaido and Sakhalin, both locating near the eastern coasts of the Asian continent, and 12 specimens of R. ornativentris from Honshu, Japan mainland, as an outgroup, through horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. Rana pirica shows relatively low genetic differentiation, and high genetic affinities are found between Hokkaido and Sakhalin populations. Populations from these islands are morphologically somewhat differentiated but should be regarded as conspecific. Degree of genetic divergence among populations of amphibian species from Hokkaido, including R. pirica , is not so extensive as that reported for species from Japan mainland and relatively recent formation of amphibian fauna in Hokkaido is suggested.

Morphometric and genetic differentiation among populations of Eupemphix nattereri (Amphibia, Anura, Leiuperidae) from central Brazil

“…There was not a statistically significant correlation between genetic and geographical distances, indicating that sites geographically close were not genetically similar. Many studies of intraspecific genetic variation in anurans have been conducted along extended scales, of many kilometers, and their results show a substantial variation among populations (LAMPERT et al, 2003;TRAKIMAS et al, 2003;ZEISSET & BEEBEE, 2003;PALO et al, 2004;TELLES, 2005). Thus, our data pointed out a strong evidence to support the previous statement even for places situated as close as 50 km.…”

“…Studies based on molecular markers, such as RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) have contributed in a complementary manner to the understanding of amphibian population genetics all over the world TRAKIMAS et al, 2003;ZEISSET & BEEBEE, 2003). RAPD are based on randomic amplifications of DNA fragments by small primer sequences of approximately 8 to 10 base pairs (RABOUAM et al, 1999).…”

Turnover or intraspecific trait variation: explaining functional variability in a neotropical anuran metacommunity

“…Genetic and ecological factors have been pointed out as the main drivers of trait variation in anuran populations and between ecomorphological guilds (e.g. Lampert et al, 2003;Trakimas et al, 2003;Zeisset and Beebee, 2003;Palo et al, 2004;Telles, 2005); this is due -at least partially -to the fact that they are easier to evaluate than physiological and ontogenetic factors per se, considering that these should be closely correlated, influencing and being influenced by both genetic and ecological contexts.…”