Genetic diversity and different ecological conditions in salamandra infraimmaculata larvae from various breeding sites

Tali Goldberg, Eviatar Nevo, Gad Degani

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

The present study examined the adaptive differentiation of ten populations of Salamandra infraimmaculata larvae in various breeding sites in northern Israel. Their ecological parameters were compared to the genetic variation in their DNA, using the random amplification of polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD PCR) method. S. infraimmaculata larvae remained for 6-10 months in stable water bodies (streams and springs) and rock pool holes, where water temperatures were relatively constant. In temporary water bodies, e.g., winter ponds, the larvae grew faster, completing metamorphosis within 2-8 months. Temperature and oxygen quality parameters of stable water bodies differed from those of temporary water bodies, even when the ponds were situated in the same geographic area. DNA variation among salamander larvae was assessed by a number of different primers, but the best results were obtained with the primers, OPA9 (5' GGGTAACGCC 3') and OPA11 (5' CAATCGCCGT 3'). Populations from a variety of stable water bodies were found to be similar, although they were located at sites with different ecological conditions, i.e., Navoraya spring and Tel-Dan stream (primer OPA9), and Balad spring and Humema spring (primer OPA11). Moreover, a high similarity was found among the populations of three temporary water bodies: Fara pond, Manof pond and Sasa pond. On the other hand, although some breeding sites were located relatively close to each other, Dovev pond and Humema spring (primers OPA9, OPA11), they had different ecological conditions and a relatively low genetic similarity. The average rate of increase in water temperature in temporary water bodies was higher than in stable water bodies. In conclusion, the results of this study, along with the results of our former studies, support the hypothesis that the genetics of the populations from stable breeding sites (relatively constant water temperatures) differed from that of the populations from other less predictable breeding sites.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationVertebrate and Invertebrate Animal Approaches
PublisherNova Science Publishers, Inc.
Pages265-277
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9781631171031
ISBN (Print)9781631171024
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2014

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2014 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Adaptation
  • Breeding site
  • Genetics
  • Mitochondria
  • Salamandra infraimmaculata
  • Xeric habitat

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
  • General Veterinary

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