Analysis of Hybridization Between Native and Invasive Pupfishes (Cyprinodon)

<p>Invasive species are detrimental to native species and when hybridization is involved a decrease in biodiversity may result. <em>Cyprinodon variegatus </em>is an invasive species that has caused devastation to several <em>Cyprinodon </em>species through rapid hybridization and genetic introgression. <em>Cyprinodon rubrofluviatilis </em>is native to the Brazos, Wichita and Red Rivers but<em> </em>fish collected between 2006-2012 from the Brazos River expressed intermediate morphological traits suggesting hybridization had occurred. My objective was to investigate if <em>C. variegatus</em> and <em>C. rubrofluviatilis</em> had hybridized in the Brazos River and if so, to determine the extent of introgression. Molecular analysis of specimens collected between 2013-2017 identified low levels of introgression in 2013-2015 but no signs of hybridization in 2017. Morphological analysis showed significant differences between species, genetic grouping, river, and most drainages with little evidence of intermediate phenotypes. Although hybridization and introgression between <em>C. variegatus</em> and<em> C. rubrofluviatilis </em>is not widespread, it remains a threat to native <em>Cyprinodon</em> in this region.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science - Biology

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.available

2018

Author dc:creator

• Ayers, Kristina

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Jennifer Gumm
• Dr. Matthew Kwiatkowski
• Dr. Vance Imhoff

• population biology
• conservation genetics
• hybridization
• geometric morphometrics
• Cyprinodon rubrofluviatilis
• Cyprinodon variegatus

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/211

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarworks.sfasu.edu:etds-1225