Ambystoma Hybrid Complex

[Ed]

Note that the hybrids emerged close to 2.4 million years ago..

Unisexual salamanders (genus Ambystoma) present a new reproductive mode for eukaryotes - Genome

http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/~chrisp/Nature.pdf

http://www2.eve.ucdavis.edu/shafferl...lNotes2003.pdf

http://labs.eeb.utoronto.ca/murphy/P...991_ploidy.pdf

http://www.pnas.org/content/87/6/2235.full.pdf


If you want to pay for access Reproduction and the origin of polyploids in hybri... [Can J Genet Cytol. 1986] - PubMed result

Temperature and sperm incorporation in polyploid salamanders

Triploidy permits survival of an inviable amphibian hybrid - Elinson - 2005 - Developmental Genetics - Wiley Online Library

JSTOR: An Error Occurred Setting Your User Cookie

[jbherpin]

All great links! Some show a bit of contradiction. Study vs study, there seems to be a lot of work to be done in determining clonal vs selective genetic inheritance. I truly appreciate all you do to help, Ed! You have helped me more than you know!

JBear

[Ed]

Look at the dates for the studies and the main reason you get the contradictions is due to techniques used and if they have been refined or not... Petranka's book just sums it up (at the time it was published).


Ed

[jbherpin]

I will look into obtaining a copy. At a minimum, my study will show that A. texanum, and A. laterale are in previously unknown parts of Ohio. This is good. Thanks again for the help!

JBear

[Woodsman]

Hi Jbear,

Has anyone performed any progeny studies with these Ambystomas? I work with a hybrid swarm of native oaks (Quercus) here on Staten Island and have ongoing progeny studies that have really helped me understand their genetics quite a bit.

We also have both Northern and Southern Ringneck Snakes in my neighborhood and the intergrade between the two. It would certainly be interesting to see if the intergrades are fertile and what kind of progeny the produce. The project is on my "long list".


There might be additional permit requirements to set-up such a study for the Ambystomas, but it might be something to think about down the road.

Good luck and keep us updated! Richard.

[Ed]

Hi Richard,

It is actually pretty well understood as the sperm doesn't contribute anything to the egg other than activating the development of the embryo. There are triploid and tetrapolid populations which if you look at the range maps have funky ancestral contributions.

The intergrade in the ringnecks is fertile.

Ed

[jbherpin]

Originally Posted by Woodsman

Hi Jbear,

Has anyone performed any progeny studies with these Ambystomas? I work with a hybrid swarm of native oaks (Quercus) here on Staten Island and have ongoing progeny studies that have really helped me understand their genetics quite a bit.

We also have both Northern and Southern Ringneck Snakes in my neighborhood and the intergrade between the two. It would certainly be interesting to see if the intergrades are fertile and what kind of progeny the produce. The project is on my "long list".


There might be additional permit requirements to set-up such a study for the Ambystomas, but it might be something to think about down the road.

Good luck and keep us updated! Richard.

I have a history with my local DNR. I have obtained permits in the past. The study area is not protected ground as of yet. After my study, I hope it will be considered. There are no plethodontid salamanders, no snakes of any kind, and only treefrog type nieghbors. It seems a great study area. I can't wait to get started! I have to notify the DNR, and send them a copy of my template, and also a brief summary of intent.( This is a courtesy measure...)

JBear

[jbherpin]

Thought I would share my VERY basic data collection sheet that will be used to document specimens.

Specimen Data Log

Study Area:
Specimen ID:
Species:
Gender:
Length:
Physical Description:

Habitat Description:

Notes:

JBear

[jbherpin]

Are there any cheap cameras that are well suited for field pics? My camera is very expensive, and I am sure my wife will not let me take it into the woods, lol! However, it seems that this tool is invaluable in describing individuals.

Thanks!

JBear

[Ed]

Here is are some method for you to check out
http://www.umass.edu/landeco/pubs/gamble.et.al.2008.pdf

http://wfcb.ucdavis.edu/people/facul...7%20opacum.pdf

Ed