Comparative cytogenetic analysis in diploid and polyploid Phyllomedusa species from the group P. burmeisteri (Phyllomedusinae, Hylidae, Anura)

Abstract

In the recent years, the phylogenetic reviews, based mainly on molecular data, brought about extensive reformulations in the taxonomy of the family Hylidae. However, there are still many questions, particularly with regard to intrageneric relationships. In the genus Phyllomedusa, which includes about half of the known species of the subfamily Phyllomedusinae, it is not different, existing many questions about the identification of species complexes and the inclusion of species in distinct phenetic groups. The polyploidy in P. tetraploidea and the hybridization with the diploid species P. distincta strengthen the importance of further studies involving species of the group of P. burmeisteri, mainly because cytogenetic data were almost not considered in the analyses on phylogeny and taxonomy. This project aims to obtain more informative cytogenetic data on P. distincta, P. iheringii, P. tetraploidea and hybrid triploid animals using as probe the genes rDNA 5S, histone H1, and RNAsn U1, as well as the mapping of repetitive DNA fraction C0t-1. The development of the technique of GISH and, additionally the use of microdissection and painting of chromosome markers will also be carried out. The results should enlighten the question about the origin of the polyploidy, and confirm or not the evidence of diploidization of the tetraploid karyotype. The analyses in the light of the available cytogenetic information on other species of Phyllomedusinae and on phylogenetic data will allow a better understanding on chromosomal evolution, taxonomy, and systematics of Phyllomedusa.