Geographic variation in hybridization and ecological differentiation between three syntopic, morphologically similar species of montane lizards.

To understand factors shaping species boundaries in closely related taxa, a powerful approach is to compare levels of genetic admixture at multiple points of contact and determine how this relates to intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as genetic, morphological and ecological differentiation. In the Australian Alps, the threatened alpine bog skink Pseudemoia cryodroma co-occurs with two morphologically and ecologically similar congeners, P. entrecasteauxii and P. pagenstecheri, and all three species are suspected to hybridize. We predicted that the frequency of hybridization should be negatively correlated with genetic divergence, morphological differentiation and microhabitat separation. We tested this hypothesis using a mitochondrial locus, 13 microsatellite loci, morphological and microhabitat data and compared results across three geographically isolated sites. Despite strong genetic structure between species, we detected hybridization between all species pairs, including evidence of backcrossed individuals at the two sites where all three species are syntopic. Hybridization frequencies were not consistently associated with genetic, morphological or ecological differentiation. Furthermore, P. entrecasteauxii and P. pagenstecheri only hybridized at the two sites where they are syntopic with P. cryodroma, but not at the largest site where P. cryodroma was not recorded, suggesting that P. cryodroma may serve as a bridging species. This study reveals the complex dynamics within a three species hybrid zone and provides a baseline for assessing the impact of climate change and anthropogenic habitat modification on future hybridization frequencies.

Role of estrogen and prostaglandin F2 alpha in premature luteal regression in monovulatory and superovulated red deer (Cervus elaphus).

The superovulation of red deer hinds with eCG is commonly associated with premature luteal regression. This study was an investigation of the endocrine mechanisms regulating luteal function after superovulation. Four groups of hinds (n = 7-8 per group) were treated with progesterone-impregnated intravaginal controlled internal drug-releasing (CIDR) devices for 12 days to synchronize estrus (CIDR device withdrawal = Day 0). Group 1 served as controls; group 2 received an i.m. injection of 0.25 mg estradiol benzoate (EDB) at 72, 84, 96, and 108 h after removal of the device; group 3 received an i.m. injection of 1200 IU eCG at -72 h; group 4 received both EDB and eCG treatments. Oxytocin-induced prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) release was assessed on Day 4 by oxytocin challenge. Ovarian response was determined by laparoscopy on Day 14. Plasma steroid profiles were determined from thrice-weekly plasma samples collected from Day -13 to Day 35 (progesterone) and Days 0 to 14 (estradiol). EDB increased the incidence of premature luteal regression in monovulatory and eCG-treated animals (p < 0.05) and reduced the number of CL (p < 0.05) in eCG-treated animals. EDB and eCG each elevated plasma concentrations of estradiol and increased the incidence of significant oxytocin-induced PGF2 alpha release. These results support the hypothesis that eCG causes premature luteal regression by inducing prolonged estrogen secretion that sensitizes the endometrium to oxytocin, thereby eliciting PGF2 alpha release during the early luteal phase.