Diversity of the Amazonian Leaflitter Frog Eleutherodactylus ockendeni
Author Information
Author(s): Kathryn R Elmer, José A Dávila, Stephen C Lougheed
Primary Institution: Queen's University
Hypothesis
To quantify region-wide genealogical patterns and test for the presence of deep intraspecific divergences in Eleutherodactylus ockendeni.
Conclusion
The study reveals at least three distinct species of Eleutherodactylus ockendeni in Ecuador, indicating that current species richness estimates in the upper Amazon are likely underestimated.
Supporting Evidence
- Three distinct clades of Eleutherodactylus ockendeni were identified, separated by significant genetic divergence.
- Clades are reproductively isolated despite geographic overlap.
- Divergences among clades date back to the Miocene, indicating ancient speciation.
Takeaway
Scientists found that a common frog in the Amazon is actually three different species, even though they look very similar.
Methodology
The study used molecular phylogenetics, analyzing mitochondrial and nuclear DNA from 105 individuals across 13 localities in Ecuador.
Limitations
The study is limited to Ecuador and may not reflect broader distributions of the clades.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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