Iguana iguana genetically divided

Recent molecular and morphological investigations of widespread species have demonstrated that many of them show deep genetic divergences and morphology that is geographically concordant.In many instances this results in the recognition of cryptic species. In an early on-line view of an article to be published in the Journal of Biogeography, Catherine Stephen and colleague investigated the genetic structure of the Neotropical common green iguanas (Iguana iguana) and compare that structure with past geological events and present barriers to gene flow. Additionally, they compare levels of divergence between lineages within Iguana with closely related genera in the subfamily Iguaninae.

The authors collected DNA sequences at four loci for up to 81 individuals from 35 localities in 21 countries. The four loci, one mitochondrial (ND4) and three nuclear (PAC, NT3, c-mos), were chosen for their differences in coalescent and mutation rates. Each locus was analyzed separately to generate gene trees, and in combination in a species-level analysis.

The pairwise divergence between Iguana delicatissima and I. iguana was much greater than that between sister species of Conolophus and Cyclura and non-sister species of Sauromalus, at both mitochondrial (mean 10.5% vs. 1.5–4%, respectively) and nuclear loci (mean 1% vs. 0–0.18%, respectively). Furthermore, divergences within I. iguana were equal to or greater than those for interspecific comparisons within the outgroup genera. Phylogenetic analyses yielded four strongly supported, geographically defined mitochondrial clades (3.8–5% divergence) within I. iguana. Three of the four clades were found using PAC (0.18–1.65% divergence) and two using NT3 (0.6% divergence) alone. The primary divergence, recovered in three polymorphic loci, was between individuals north and south of the Isthmus of Panama. The southern group was differentiated into clades comprising individuals on either side of the northern Andes, using both PACand ND4.

Deep genetic divergences were found within I. iguana that are congruent with past and current geological barriers. These divisions are greater than sister species comparisons in other Iguaninae genera, indicating the possible presence of cryptic species. Geological changes from the mid-Miocene through the Plio-Pleistocene have shaped the pattern of divergence in I. iguana. The uplift of the northern Andes presented a barrier between South American I.iguana populations by 4 Ma. Populations north of the Isthmus of Panama form a clade that is distinct from those to the south, and may have expanded northwards following the closing of the Isthmus of Panama 2.5 Ma.

Citation
Stephen, C. L., Reynoso, V. H., Collett, W. S., Hasbun, C. R., Breinholt, J. W. (2012) Geographical structure and cryptic lineages within common green iguanas, Iguana iguana. Journal of Biogeography. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2699.2012.02780.x