Present address: Department of Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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A suite of molecular markers for identifying species, detecting introgression and describing population structure in spadefoot toads (Spea spp.)
Article first published online: 7 MAY 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2012.03150.x
© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Additional Information
How to Cite
PFENNIG, K. S., ALLENBY, A., MARTIN, R. A., MONROY, A. and JONES, C. D. (2012), A suite of molecular markers for identifying species, detecting introgression and describing population structure in spadefoot toads (Spea spp.). Molecular Ecology Resources, 12: 909–917. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2012.03150.x
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Present address: Department of Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
Publication History
- Issue published online: 16 AUG 2012
- Article first published online: 7 MAY 2012
- Received 3 November 2011; revision received 14 February 2012; accepted 29 February 2012
Keywords:
- amplified fragment length polymorphism;
- hybridization;
- local adaptation;
- reinforcement;
- restriction fragment length polymorphism;
- Spea bombifrons;
- Spea multiplicata;
- single nucleotide polymorphism;
- speciation
Abstract
Two congeneric species of spadefoot toad, Spea multiplicata and Spea bombifrons, have been the focus of hybridization studies since the 1970s. Because complex hybrids are not readily distinguished phenotypically, genetic markers are needed to identify introgressed individuals. We therefore developed a set of molecular markers (amplified fragment length polymorphism, polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism and single nucleotide polymorphism) for identifying pure-species, F1 hybrids and more complex introgressed types. To do so, we tested a series of markers across both species and known hybrids using populations in both allopatry and sympatry. We retained those markers that differentiated the two pure-species and also consistently identified known species hybrids. These markers are well suited for identifying hybrids between these species. Moreover, those markers that show variation within each species can be used in conjunction with existing molecular markers in studies of population structure and gene flow.