Is the Danube crested newt Triturus dobrogicus polytypic? A review and new nuclear DNA data
Ben Wielstra
Judit Vörös
Jan W. Arntzen
10.6084/m9.figshare.3141214.v1
https://brill.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Is_the_Danube_crested_newt_Triturus_dobrogicus_polytypic_A_review_and_new_nuclear_DNA_data/3141214
The Danube crested newt <i>Triturus dobrogicus </i>has
been proposed to comprise two subspecies: <i>T. d. dobrogicus </i>and <i>T. d.
macrosoma</i>. Uncertainty exists in the literature over their distribution and
diagnosability. We conduct a multilocus phylogeographical survey and review
published data to determine whether a two taxon treatment is warranted. Newly produced
and published nuclear DNA data suggest intraspecific variation in the Pannonian
Plain part of the range, but with extensive genetic admixture, whereas mitochondrial
DNA data shows a lack of geographical structuring in <i>T. dobrogicus </i>altogether.
None of the studied morphological characters suggest the presence of two
geographical groups in <i>T. dobrogicus </i>unequivocally. Although Danube
Delta newts do have relatively short bodies compared to the remainder of the
range (the Pannonian and Lower Danube Plains and the Dnepr Delta), we argue
that this finding can be explained by phenotypic plasticity – particularly in
light of the incongruent evolutionary scenario suggested by genetic data. We
conclude that the total body of evidence does not support the two subspecies
hypothesis and recommend that <i>T. dobrogicus </i>is treated as a monotypic
species.
2016-03-30 08:44:44
Ion Torrent
next-generation sequencing
subspecies
taxonomy
Triturus cristatus superspecies
Triturus dobrogicus macrosoma
Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
Zoology
Genetics
Systems Biology