Geographical variation is considerably affected by sexual dimorphism.

Distance-based phylogenetic analysis [neighbour joining (NJ) and UPGMA], constructed from craniometric dissimilarities, not only confirmed the results of multivariate analyses but also fully corroborates MG-132 datasheet current molecular genetic studies. The NJ and UPGMA trees show that the modern lion contains two major evolutionary clusters: the sub-Sahara Africa and North Africa/Asian lion, and also support the Late Pleistocene cave lion (Panthera leo spelaea) and modern lions as two distinct sub-clades, but they are more closely related to each other than to other Panthera. Further investigations focusing on the systematic position of the West African lion are urgently required. “
“Until recently, morphology has been the predominant basis on which taxonomic decisions have been made. Now, many sources of data inform decisions in taxonomy, yet few studies are available that directly compare the conclusions made on the basis of different datasets. The difficulty of reaching clear taxonomic decisions SB203580 manufacturer is further complicated by the existence of allopatric populations, which may differ from other populations in notable ways yet not be distinct evolutionary units. We analyzed differences at the molecular level based on sequences

of two mitochondrial genes, analyzed acoustic differences in male vocalizations (nine variables) and conducted a phonotaxis experiment with females to assess the taxonomic status of two putative Caribbean frog species (Mannophryne olmonae and Mannophryne trinitatis, Aromobatidae), which some authors have indicated as conspecific. A 16S gene tree (75 sequences of 15 putative species, 530 bp), a parametric bootstrap test, and the results of acoustic comparisons

suggested that these entities were evolutionarily distinct. However, in the phonotaxis experiment, Rolziracetam females of either species did not display significant preference among the male vocalizations presented. On the basis of the bioacoustic data and the 16S gene tree, we conclude that these taxa are distinct and suggest that lack of selection for pre-mating isolation in allopatry explains the lack of discrimination shown by females. Phonotaxis experiments in taxa with acoustic means of mate attraction should continue to be useful in assessing the evolutionary independence of putative sympatric entities, but our results suggest that they should be employed and interpreted cautiously when applied to allopatric populations. To most accurately assess the boundaries of evolutionary lineages, a pluralistic approach, utilizing as many sources of data as possible, is desirable.