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Genetic divergence and speciation in Basilichthys microlepidotus Jenyns, 1842 and B. australis Eigenmann, 1927 (Pisces, Atherinidae)

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Abstract

Basilichthys microlepidotus Jenyns 1842 and Basilichthys australis Eigenmann 1927 are two morphologically and karyotypically differentiated species endemic to Chile, which occur, with geographical isolation, throughout most of the country. An allozyme survey of 37 loci from a sample of each species was conducted to examine the extent of differentiation between these closely related species. Both species were found to be monomorphic with the same allo/enzyme mobilities at 32 loci. Five loci (13.5%) were found to be polymorphic (0.99 criterion). Based on Nei's Genetic Identity, the two species can be said to be virtually identical since a value of I=0.999 was obtained. These data suggest that both species have evolved very fast, probably by changes in a few loci which could have quantitative and epistatic effects upon the phenotype.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departmento de Acuicultura y alimentos, Instituto Profesional de Osorno, Casilla 933, Osorno, Chile

    G. M. Gajardo

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  1. G. M. Gajardo
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Gajardo, G.M. Genetic divergence and speciation in Basilichthys microlepidotus Jenyns, 1842 and B. australis Eigenmann, 1927 (Pisces, Atherinidae). Genetica 76, 121–126 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00058810

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00058810

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