Genetic Variability and the Potential Range of Darevskia rostombekowi in Transcaucasia

Abstract

Abstract— The results of the analysis of the genetic variability of parthenogenetic Darevskia rostombekowi (Darevsky, 1957) species using four microsatellite-containing loci are presented. Based on 118 records with geographical coordinates of the presence of this species in Transcaucasia, the maps of potential range were created. The analysis of the genetic structure of populations demonstrated that despite the established multiclonality (seven clonal lines in four populations), D. rostombekowi was formed as a result of a single act of hybridization between closely related bisexual species. The predicted distribution of D. rostombekowi using the modelling of potential range revealed new suitable habitats, where the presence of the species has not been reported previously. The results of this study and the absence of multiple acts of hybridization during the formation of these clones may indicate a regression of population size of the species. Consequently, the estimation of the conservation status of this parthenogenetic species seems to be justified.

Tendency towards clonality: deviations of meiosis in parthenogenetic Caucasian rock lizards

“…Fourth, molecular biological studies of distinct populations of parthenogenetic species of hybrid origin indicate the possibility of a de novo appearance of minor differences between them (Ryskov et al, 2017, Osipov et al, 2021, Omelchenko et al, 2016. In addition, we identi ed evolutionary changes in the karyotypes of parthenogenetic forms (Spangenberg et al, 2020b;Spangenberg et al, 2021).…”