A biochemical genetic comparison of four populations of Breviceps adspersus (Anura: Microhylidae)

Abstract

Four populations of the bushveld rain frog, Breviceps adspersus, representing three northern populations (B. adspersus adspersus), and a southern population (B. adspersus pentheri), were analysed by electrophoresis to assess the extent of genetic variation and differentiation amongst them. Eighteen protein-coding loci were resolved of which 11 loci (61 %) displayed polymorphism. A low mean heterozygosity ranging between H = 0.009 to H = 0.062 was estimated. Greater genetic differentiation was observed between the B. adspersus pentheri and B. adspersus adspersus populations, than between the three B. adspersus adspersus populations. This supports the subspecific status of both taxa.

Key words: allozymes, anura, speciation, taxonomy.