Analysis of Hybridization between Two Subspecies of the Desert Whiptail Lizard, Cnemidophorus tigris
Zweifel RG. 1962. Analysis of Hybridization between Two Subspecies of the Desert Whiptail Lizard, Cnemidophorus tigris. Copeia. 1962(4):749-766
Cnemidophorus tigris gracilis and C. t. marmoratus are lizards highly similar in ecological requirements and are widely distributed respectively in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. Where their ranges come together in southwestern New Mexico, these subspecies hybridize in a restricted zone about one mile wide. The hybrids are viable and phenotypic evidence of back-crossing suggests they are fertile. Narrowness of the hybrid zone may reflect selective disadvantage of hybrid gene-combinations when compared with parental types. The length of time gracilis and marmoratus have been in contact and hybridizing is not known, though their ranges could not have come together until post-Wisconsin climatic change permitted establishment of a desert corridor across the Continental Divide. Casual observations suggest that narrow zones of subspecific hybridization such as are reported may prove to be common or even typical phenomena in the genus Cnemidophorus.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Zweifel, R
- Units
- MOJA
- Keywords
- Animal Studies