当前位置： SCI文献检索 > BMC EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY期刊下所有文献 > Multiple genetic lineages challenge the monospecific status of the West African endemic frog family Odontobatrachidae.

Multiple genetic lineages challenge the monospecific status of the West African endemic frog family Odontobatrachidae.

Abstract：

BACKGROUND:Correct species identification is crucial in different fields of biology, and in conservation. The endemic West African frog family Odontobatrachidae currently contains a single described species, Odontobatrachus natator. From western Guinea to western Côte d'Ivoire it inhabits forests around waterfalls or cascades. Based on more than 130 specimens from 78 localities, covering the entire distribution, we investigated the molecular diversity of these frogs. RESULTS:Our analyses included mitochondrial and nuclear genes, with a concatenated alignment of 3527 base pairs. We detected high level of genetic differentiation with five distinct lineages or operational taxonomic units (OTUs). These OTUs were also identified by two different species delimitation approaches, Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) and cluster algorithm. All OTUs occur in parapatry in the Upper Guinean forests. One OTU, assigned to the "true" Odontobatrachus natator, covers the largest distribution, ranging from the border region of western Sierra Leone-Guinea to eastern Liberia. Two OTUs are restricted to western Guinea (Fouta Djallon and foothills), while two others occur in eastern Guinea and the border region of Guinea-Liberia-Côte d'Ivoire. The OTU representing O. natator consists of two divergent subclades: one restricted to the Freetown Peninsula (Sierra Leone) and the other covering all populations further inland. Environmental niche models indicated that the restricted Freetown Peninsula population is separated by unsuitable habitat from remaining populations. CONCLUSION:Geographic isolation of OTUs and molecular differences comparable to species level differentiation in other frog families indicate that O. natator contains cryptic species diversity. Respective distribution patterns most probably resulted from repeated changes of forest cover (contraction and expansion) over evolutionary timescales. The survival within forest refugia that have persisted through multiple drier periods and subsequent dispersal during wetter times may best explain the observed geographic distributions of OTUs. According to the IUCN Red List range criteria each OTU should be classified as "Endangered." If the Freetown Peninsula "natator" population is recognized as a distinct species it would warrant recognition as "Critically Endangered." The identification of cryptic lineages highlights the urgent need to protect these frogs, all of which are endemic to small areas within the Upper Guinean biodiversity hotspot.

journal_name

BMC Evol Biol

journal_title

BMC evolutionary biology

authors

Barej MF,Penner J,Schmitz A,Rödel MO

doi

10.1186/s12862-015-0346-9

subject

Has Abstract

pub_date

2015-04-19 00:00:00

pages

issn

1471-2148

pii

10.1186/s12862-015-0346-9

journal_volume

pub_type

杂志文章

在线工具

Multiple genetic lineages challenge the monospecific status of the West African endemic frog family Odontobatrachidae.