[Molecular markers of nuclear DNA in the study of evolution and speciation process in an example of "Lacerta agilis complex" (Sauria: Lacertidae)]

Mol Biol (Mosk). 2006 Jan-Feb;40(1):61-73.
[Article in Russian]

Abstract

In order to elucidate the molecular-genetic relations of some Lacerta s. str. lizard populations, subspecies and species in comparison with some other genera we used methods revealing four types of nuclear DNA markers. Among these were taxonprint, RAPD, Inter-MIR-PCR markers and also satellite DNA monomer sequences. The aim was to compare the phylogeny and systematics of this reptilian group based on morphological and molecular criteria. This problem has a general importance for understanding a speciation process. Our results show a good correlation between both approaches when genera and species levels were studied. Systematic status of five subspecies of L. agilis were supported but not in all cases, some subspecies have no meaningful genetic differences by three types of molecular markers, but all of them were differed by RAPD markers. The data confirm the subdivision of L. agilis populations into west and east clades proposed by other authors earlier on the basis of mitochondrial DNA and morphology. The population structure of one of the subspecies--L. agilis exigua, was studied on a number of populations distributed from Ural region up to Kabardino-Balkaria by IMP method. There were no significant differences among these 14 populations investigated. The data testify the rapid distribution of the species after the end of Pleistocene glaciation.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA, Satellite / genetics
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Genetic Markers
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Genetics, Population
  • Lizards / classification
  • Lizards / genetics*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Satellite
  • Genetic Markers