[Molecular-genetic diversification of lizard complex D. raddei (Sauria: Lacertidae): early stages of speciation].

A number of populations of genus Darevskia lizards were studied using inter-SINE-PCR (IS-PCR). The number and size of PCR-amplified spacers of genomic DNA flanked by SINE-type repeats were compared in 17 populations of the D. raddei species complex along with several other species from the same genus. Nei and Li's (D(NL)) genetic distances between populations were unequivocal. Individual differences among D. r. nairensis sample specimens and between the samples fall into a range of less than 0.1. Individual variability intra each of the D. r. raddei samples--into a range of 0.1-0.2, but the inter samples differences in this subspecies depends on its geographic localizations. Thus the differences between 10 samples from Armenia and Karabach fall into a range of 0.2-0.3, but between all these and two samples from Talysh (Azerbajdzhan)--of 0.3-0.4. At the same time, the variability between both known subspecies (D. r. raddei and D. r. nairensis) reaches the same values. The differences between "good" species D. raddei and D. rudis were about 0.60-0.7. It may be supposed that D. r. raddei is currently undergoing the speciation process. The population of lizards from Turkey which is considered to be close to D. raddei by some researchers and to D. rudis by others is, according to our molecular data, more closely related to the latter species. The difference of homogeneity between other populations was revealed by comparison of the DNL values. Possible phylogeographic pathways of Darevskia species distribution based on the molecular data were proposed.

[Genetic variation in two forms of the common spadefoot toad Pelobates fuscus (Pelobatidae, Anura, Amphibia) distinguished by genome size]. / Geneticheskaia izmenchivost' u dvukh form obyknovennoi chesnochnitsy Pelobates fuscus (pelobatidae, anura, amphibia), razlichaiushchikhsia po razmeru genoma.

Genetic differences (presumed 23 loci) between two cryptic forms of Pelobates fuscus, differing in genome size, were examined by means of polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. This method allowed to discriminate between these forms. Average genetic distance (DN) between both the forms was equal to 0.311, ranging from 0.055 to 0.563. As a rule, differences within these groups were smaller (0.021-0.388). The data show obvious genetic differentiation between these two cryptic forms of P. fuscus. Differences between these forms and P. syriacus were significantly higher (in average 0.943). Genetic distances in relation to speciation and species concepts are discussed.