Allozyme divergence in two syntopic Liolaemus of the Liolaemus monticola group (Squamata: Tropiduridae)

Abstract

Genetic divergence between two traditionally recognized subspecies, Liolaemus monticola chillanensis and Liolaemus monticola ssp, was assessed by allozymic comparison. Both morphotypes are syntopic and restricted to the mountains of the Cordillera de Chillán. Results of 17 presumptive loci have shown diagnostic alleles at five loci in Esterases and MDHP enzymatic systems. This provides evidence that both morphotypes show strong differences in their genetic structure, and they are independent lineages.