Hybridization between two species of Desmognathus (Amphibia; Caudata; Plethodontidae) in the Great Smoky Mountains
Tilley SG. 1988. Hybridization between two species of Desmognathus (Amphibia; Caudata; Plethodontidae) in the Great Smoky Mountains. Herpetological Monographs. 2:27 - 39
ABSTRACT: Desmognathus santeetlah and D. fuscus hybridize extensively along the north- western escarpment of the Great Smoky Mountains. Patterns of clinal variation in electromorph frequencies differ between two loci and between different areas along the Great Smokies escarpment. Electromorphic variation is not always concordant with variation in color pattern. Gene exchange seems to diminish toward the southwest. These patterns may reflect historical variation in levels of gene flow. The two species are electrophoretically more similar than most plethodontid species and gene exchange between them may be restricted solely by geographic isolation. Nevertheless, D. santeetlah is a relatively distinctive, homogeneous form. Retention of its current taxonomic status is recom- mended until reproductive isolation between it and D. fuscus has been more thoroughly studied.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Tilley, Stephen
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GRSM, GRSM-00254, Hybridization, Salamanders (Caudata), SER, Southeast Region