Divergence of Mate Recognition Systems among Conspecific Populations of the Plethodontid Salamander Desmognathus santeetlah (Amphibia: Plethodontidae)
Maksymovitch E and Verrell PA. 1993. Divergence of Mate Recognition Systems among Conspecific Populations of the Plethodontid Salamander Desmognathus santeetlah (Amphibia: Plethodontidae). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 49:19-29
ABSTRACT: The disjunct geographic distribution of plethodontid salamanders of the genus Desmognathus provides excellent opportunities to test whether populations diverge in mate recognition systems so as to result in sexual incompatibility. Previous work has shown that sexual incompatibility may exist both among conspecific populations and between different species in this genus. Populations of the Santeetlah dusky salamander, Desmognathus sanleetlah, arc found at higher elevations in three mountain ranges in the southern Appalachian Mountains of eastern North America, where they are sympatric with congeneric species of similar body size. We report that statistically significant levels of sexual incompatibility exist among populations of D. santeetlah collected from across the species’ range. Contrary to popular belief, but in accord with a growing body of empirical literature, aspects of mate recognition systems can diverge among conspecific populations of salamanders, resulting in incidental sexual incompatibility.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Maksymovitch, Esther; Verrell, Paul
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- Amphibians, Anthony Creek, APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, Caudata, Desmognathus santeetlah, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GRSM, GRSM-00763, Plethodontidae, SER, Southeast Region, Spence Field, taxonomy