Mode of hybridogenesis and habitat preferences influence population composition of water frogs (Pelophylax esculentus complex, Anura: Ranidae) in a region of sympatric occurrence (western Slovakia)

• DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12083
• Publication Date: 2014-10-08T09:54:00Z
• Authors: Peter Mikulíček; Matej Kautman; Ján Kautman; Nicolas B. M. Pru...
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 10127 Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies; 1105 Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; 1311 Genetics; 1312 Molecular Biology; 570 Life sciences; biology; 590 Animals (Zoology); 1103 Animal Science and Zoology; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences

Coexistence of sperm-dependent asexual hybrids with their sexual progenitors depends on genetic and ecological interactions between forms. In this study, we investigate genotypic composition, modes hybridogenetic gametogenesis habitat preferences European water frogs (Pelophylax esculentus complex) in a region sympatric occurrence. Pelophylax complex comprises parental species P. ridibundus lessonae, whose primary hybridization leads to lineages esculentus. Hybrids clonally transmit one genome mate the other species, forming new generation hybrids. western Slovakia, found syntopic occurrence diploid triploid all three taxa as well existence pure populations. All were exclusively male possessing two different lessonae genomes (RLL). Sex ratio was substantially female-biased. Irrespective population excluded from germ line produced gametes. Contrarily, RLL males unequivocally eliminated sperms. Perpetuation studied populations is most likely achieved by mating hybrid females. The composition frog also shaped taxon-specific preferences. While preferred larger bodies (gravelpits, fishery ponds, dead river arms), frequently marshes smaller sandpits. occupied predominately similar habitats its host lessonae.