M. Conte, M.I. Zucchi, G.V. Andrade, A.P. Souza and S.M. Recco-Pimentel
Published: July 19, 2011
Genet. Mol. Res. 10 (3): 1434-1444
DOI: 10.4238/vol10-3gmr1136

Cite this Article:
M. Conte, M.I. Zucchi, G.V. Andrade, A.P. Souza and S.M. Recco-Pimentel (2011). Genetic structure of natural populations of Physalaemus ephippifer and Physalaemus albonotatus (Anura: Leptodactylidae) using microsatellite markers. Genet. Mol. Res. 10(3): 1434-1444. 10.4238/vol10-3gmr1136

About the Authors:
M. Conte, M.I. Zucchi, G.V. Andrade, A.P. Souza and S.M. Recco-Pimentel
Corresponding author: S.M. Recco-Pimentel
E-mail: shirlei@unicamp.br

ABSTRACT
Various species of the Physalaemus cuvieri group of frogs are difficult to distinguish morphologically, making molecular analysis an attractive alternative for indentifying members of this group, which is considered to be at risk because of loss of habitat. The genetic structure of natural populations of P. ephippifer and P. albonotatus species was investigated and analyzed, together with that of five previously studied populations of P. cuvieri. Nine microsatellite loci were used in the analyses. The overall GST value (0.46) revealed high genetic variation among the populations, as expected for different species. Bayesian analysis implemented by the STRUCTURE software clustered the seven populations into seven groups (K = 7). All the P. albonotatus and P. ephippifer specimens were grouped into a single cluster, both species showing clear differentiation from P. cuvieri. The different grouping based on these microsatellites of some P. cuvieri individuals from Porto Nacional and from Passo Fundo suggests that they could be a new species, indicating a necessity for taxonomic reevaluation. Despite the intrinsic difficulties in analyzing closely related species, the nine microsatellite loci were found to be adequate for distinguishing these three species of the P. cuvieri group and their populations.

Key words: Related species; Frogs; Microsatellites; Physalaemus; Population structure.