Analysis of Hybridization Between Crotaphytus wislizenii and Crotaphytus silus (Sauria: Iguanidae) in California
Montanucci RR. 1970. Analysis of Hybridization Between Crotaphytus wislizenii and Crotaphytus silus (Sauria: Iguanidae) in California. Copeia. 1970(1):104-123
Crotaphytus silus and C. wislizenii are considered distinct species on the basis of morphological, biological, ecological and behavioral differences. The two species are essentially allopartric, C. silus occurring in the San Joaquin Valley region of California, C. wislizenii having a widespread distribution in the western North American deserts. A population of presumed hybrid origin occurs in a narrow ecotone between the California steppe and Great Basin pinyon-juniper woodland. The hybrid genotype seems best suited for the ecotonal environment, and neither parental species was found within the ecotone. Interbreeding is occurring principally between C. silus and the hybrid population, and there is phenotypic evidence for back-crossing but recombinants are apparntly being selected against outside the ecotone. C. wislizenii occurs as localized, disjunct populations in pinyon-juniper woodland adjacent to the ecotone and does not appear to be in contact with the hybrid population.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Montanucci, Richard
- Units
- ORPI
- Keywords
- Lizards