Molecular Biology and Evolution, Vol 14, 309-324, Copyright © 1997 by Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution
MC Hedin
This paper focuses on the relationship between population genetic structure
and speciation mechanisms in a monophyletic species group of Appalachian
cave spiders (Nesticus). Using mtDNA sequence data gathered from 256
individuals, I analyzed patterns of genetic variation within and between
populations for three pairs of closely related sister species. Each
sister-pair comparison involves taxa with differing distributional and
ecological attributes; if these ecological attributes are reflected in
basic demographic differences, then speciation might proceed differently
across these sister taxa comparisons. Both frequency-based and gene tree
analyses reveal that the genetic structure of the Nesticus species studied
is characterized by similar and essentially complete population
subdivision, regardless of differences in general ecology. These findings
contrast with results of prior genetic studies of cave-dwelling arthropods
that have typically revealed variation in population structure
corresponding to differences in general ecology. Species fragmentation
through both extrinsic and intrinsic evolutionary forces has resulted in
discrete, perhaps independent, populations within morphologically defined
species. Large sequence divergence values observed between populations
suggest that this independence may extend well into the past. These
patterns of mtDNA genealogical structure and divergence imply that species
as morphological lineages are currently more inclusive than basal
evolutionary or phylogenetic units, a suggestion that has important
implications for the study of speciation mechanisms.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Molecular phylogenetics at the population/species interface in cave spiders of the southern Appalachians (Araneae:Nesticidae:Nesticus)
Department of Biology, Washington University, USA. mhedin@ccit.arizona.edu
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