Phylogeographic history of Patagonian lizards of the Liolaemus elongatus complex (Iguania: Liolaemini) based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences

Abstract

In this study, we present a phylogeographic analysis of a group of lizards distributed in north-western Patagonia, the Liolaemus elongatus complex. We sequenced 581 individuals for one mitochondrial gene (cytochrome-b), and for a subset, we sequenced another mitochondrial gene (12S rRNA) and two nuclear genes: kinesin family member 24 (KIF24) and the anonymous nuclear locus LDAB1D. We estimated gene trees, mitochondrial and nuclear haploytpe networks, standard molecular diversity indices, genetic distances between lineages and Bayesian skyline plots. Our results provide evidence for recognition of seven species previously described within the L. elongatus complex: Liolaemus antumalguen, Liolaemus chillanensis, Liolaemus carlosgarini, Liolaemus burmeisteri, Liolaemus smaug, Liolaemus elongatus and Liolaemus crandalli, but we did not find sufficient evidence to support Liolaemus choique, Liolaemus shitan or Liolaemus sp. 6 as distinct species. We identified four candidate species (Liolaemus sp. 1, Liolaemus sp. 2, Liolaemus sp. 3 and Liolaemus sp. 7), and we discuss evolutionary processes that may have contributed to the origin of these lineages and their taxonomic and conservation implications.