Abstract

Molecular variation within Ctenosaura hemilopha and among other Ctenosaura species are used to identify species boundaries, assess suitable systematic characters, identify evolutionary patterns within C. hemilopha mitochondrial DNA sequences and reconstruct species and area relationships among the various taxa. The molecular evolution of the C. hemilopha complex is analyzed using 1109 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA sequence from the cytochrome b and cytochrome oxidase III genes. Samples come from 22 individuals representing each of the five allopatric populations.

The results of a parsimony analysis showed a strongly supported, partially resolved set of relationships. The strict consenses tee formed in this analysis resulted in a gene tree that is comprised of two well-supported basal haploclades, A and B. The most basal haploclade (A) includes all individuals from Islas San Esteban and Cholludo (C. conspicuosa) and three of the five individuals from Isla San Pedro Nolasco (C. nolascensis). Haploclade B includes all individuals from mainland Sonora (C. macrolopha), Baja California (C. hemilopha), Isla Cerralvo (C. hemilopha (insulana)), and the remaining two samples from Isla San Pedro Nolasco. The anomalous positions of the C. nolascensissamples as well as the positions of each of other populations within the complex are discussed for their informativeness and possible relationship to the most recent hypotheses developed concerning Iguanid relationships.

LLU Discipline

Biology

Department

Biology

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

Ronald L. Carter

Second Advisor

L. Lee Grismer

Third Advisor

William Hayes

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

1999

Date (Title Page)

9-1999

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Ctenosaura -- evolution -- molecular aspects; Iguanas -- evolution -- molecular aspects.

Type

Thesis

Page Count

vii; 64

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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