Molecular genetic analysis of the speciation process of the Cyprinodon species flock (Teleostei) from Laguna Chichancanab, Mexico

• Applicant: Dr. Ulrike Strecker
• Subject Area: Evolution and Systematics of Plants and Fungi
• Term: from 2002 to 2004
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5363003

The phylogenetically young Cyprinodon species flock (Teleostei) of Laguna Chichancanab (Yucatan, Mexico) consists of six endemic species which occur syntopically. Besides the species described specimens are found which cannot be attributed to one of them. The most basal member of the flock, C. beltrani, is morphologically and ecologically similar to the allopatric sister species C. artifrons from coastal lagoons. Based on mtDNA data and behavioral studies only the species C. maya is assumed to be reproductively isolated. For the other five endemic species it is unclear whether they are in the initial phase of the speciation process and if hybridization occurs. Behavioral studies in three of the endemic species indicate that different levels of reproductive isolation might be reached. In this poject a microsatellite analysis shall be performed to examine the existence and the amount of geneflow between the different members of the flock and their sister species as well as their phylogenetic relationship.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1127: Radiations - Origins of Biological Diversity