Abstract Detail

Systematics Section / ASPT

Schwarzbach, Andrea E. [1], Adams, Robert P. [2], Morris, Julie A. [1], Pandey, Ram N. [3].

Detecting cryptic speciation: an example from Juniperus (Cupressaceae).

Cryptic species can be characterized as clearly genetically differentiated, but show little or no morphological differences. Most cryptic species have been identified in groups that are difficult to distinguish on a morphological basis such as many microorganisms. This paper describes cryptic speciation for a geographical widespread Juniper tree. Analyses of individuals of J. oxycedrus L. var. oxycedrus from Morocco, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey using DNA sequencing of nrDNA (ITS 1, 5.8S, ITS 2) plus RAPDs, leaf terpenoids and morphology revealed that two genetically and morphologically distinct taxa are present. These taxa are about as different from each other as J. navicularis and J. macrocarpa are from J. oxycedrus. A new species is recognized, Juniperus deltoides R. P. Adams, with leaves that are somewhat deltoid (wide base), in contrast to elliptical shaped leaves of J. oxycedrus var. oxycedrus. In addition, J. deltoides has two white stomatal bands on the leaf surface, whereas, the Abands are sunken into the leaf surface in J. oxycedrus (sensu stricto) . Examination of herbarium specimens revealed that the two species are largely allopatric with J. deltoides occurring from Italy eastward through Turkey into the Caucasus Mts. and Iran. Juniperus oxycedrus var. oxycedrus appears to be largely concentrated west of Italy (France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco). Methods for detecting cryptic speciation will be discussed.

1 - Kent State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 256 Cunningham Hall, Kent, Ohio, 44242, USA
2 - Baylor University, Biology Department, P.O. Box 97388, Waco, Texas, 76798, USA
3 - Eastern New Mexico University, Department of Biology, Portales, New Mexico, 88130, USA

Keywords:
Cupressaceae
cryptic speciation
Juniperus
terpenes.

Presentation Type: Paper
Session: 49-6
Location: Cottonwood C (Snowbird Center)
Date: Wednesday, August 4th, 2004
Time: 12:00 PM
Abstract ID:295