Date Approved
11-1-2013
Date Posted
7-20-2015
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Biology
Committee Member
Katherine Greenwald, Ph.D., Chair
Committee Member
Margaret Hanes, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Steven Francoeur, Ph.D.
Abstract
Unisexual Ambystoma produce ploidy-variable offspring that differ in survivorship to adulthood. These populations reproduce through kleptogenesis, persisting by stealing genetic material from males of compatible bisexual Ambystoma species (e.g., Jefferson's Salamander A. jeffersonianum, and the Blue-Spotted Salamander A. laterale). Kleptogenesis can result in ploidy-variable embryos within an egg mass because the female may or may not incorporate the male ambystomatid genome. Little is known about the survivorship of ploidy-variable individuals. In previous studies, triploid individuals are the most abundant class, suggesting a greater mortality in high-ploidy (tetraploid and pentaploid) individuals. We assessed the frequency of ploidy levels (determined by microsatellite analysis) across four life stages within a single year: adults, early larvae, late larvae, and metamorphs. We found that, instead of an abrupt change due to individuals dying at or during metamorphosis, there was a gradual decline in tetraploids across all stages as the larvae develop into adults.
Recommended Citation
Casto, Christina Marie, "Survivorship of ploidy-variable unisexual ambystoma aalamanders across developmental stages" (2013). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 601.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/601