Genetic, Morphological, and Behavioral Analysis of the Oklahoma Salamander (Eurycea Tynerensis) in Southwestern Missouri
type: CreativeWork
description: I investigated populations of Eurycea tynerensis which differed in coloration and life history mode. Using morphometrics and behavioral trials, I tested two sympatric color morphs for the presence of a cryptic species. I also obtained sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene of 21 salamanders, representing 4 populations. Sympatric color morphs did not differ significantly in morphometrics or in behavior. Sequencing data reveal that the differences in life history and coloration seen all arise from within the same mitochondrial matriline. While differences in life history could be under genetic control or a result of available microhabitat, it is likely that the color morphs are a result of Mendelian genetics.
abstract: I investigated populations of Eurycea tynerensis which differed in coloration and life history mode. Using morphometrics and behavioral trials, I tested two sympatric color morphs for the presence of a cryptic species. I also obtained sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene of 21 salamanders, representing 4 populations. Sympatric color morphs did not differ significantly in morphometrics or in behavior. Sequencing data reveal that the differences in life history and coloration seen all arise from within the same mitochondrial matriline. While differences in life history could be under genetic control or a result of available microhabitat, it is likely that the color morphs are a result of Mendelian genetics.
author: Nelson, Nathaniel Aaron
keywords: Caudata, color morphs, Eurycea tynerensis, life-history mode, paedomorphosis, Plethodontidae, Biology
date published: 2007-12-01T08:00:00Z
date modified: 2026-07-24T03:16:17Z
provider: Missouri State University
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: Missouri State University