Brian - LCRC
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Leeway Corucia Research Center (LCRC)
Question of Corucia reclassication
Abstract:
Questions of Corucia being split into new species level classification based on miscarriages and supposed genetic sequence studies.
Introduction:
On the subject of genetic compatibility of Czz (Corucia zebrata zebrata-underlined) from various island groups. The jury is still out as some breeders of this species seem to have great success with different phenotypes.
A supposed work based on genetic research of Corucia from the Solomons has supposedly been done but the paper has failed to materialize for accessibility as of this date. The work was based on mitochondrial and nuclear genes of Corucia. However, the authors may be considered high splitters in mentioning 2 new species off of Czz.
Measurements at the genetic level can be the best indication but at most, I would think that a new classification of Czz into two subpecies would be the furthest possibility of reclassification.
I based this not only on morphology but demographics and peripheral isolate genetic drift of a species from the core group.
Geology:
Bougainville and Choiseul, are separated by the Bougainville strait . This is the only wide geographic separtion between islands in the archipelago and also indicated by the separation of the two known subspecies - the North Solomon monkey skink - Corucia zebrata alfredschmidti -Cza and the main archipelago monkey skink Corucia zebrata zebrata -Czz. The other island groups show a uniform spacing so a difference to the species level of Czz and have this more uniform geological separation where Cza would be considered different at the subspecies level only does not seem as plausible since Cza is more isolated geologically.
Genetic Drift:
Again Corucia zebrata alfredschmidti is the most distant population of Corucia in the archipelago and would fit into the concept of peripheral isolates evolving away from the core population twoard new subspeciation. The core population of Corucia is based on the Locus Typicus being from Quadalcanal (Balsai, 1995).
Morphology:
To date: based on work by Jones, Kohler, and Schnirel. The many features noted show differences between Corucia zebrata alfredschmidti and Corucia zebrata zebrata. But within Corucia zebrata zebrata, these morphological variations are not present.
In addition, The size difference between Cza and Czz separated by the Bougainville Strait matches the research of other animal species varying in size across the Bougainville Strait is documented by research by
Green/Slade and Bowen-Jones. No faunal differences of size has been documented to date from other islands in the Solomon archipelago.
Discussion:
The only way for fully proper analysis of this situation is a full study of all islands that house populations of corucia in the Solomon archipelago. Physical measurements as well as genetic research is strongely need. When that occurs, it is quite possible to find new surprises with Corucia classification. Genetically, each separate island with show some form of genetic drift through mitochondrial sequencing. It is only logical to conclude. However, it seems highly unlikely, based on all factors, that there will be two new species of Corucia pulled from the subspecies Corucia zebrata zebrata. again, the only possible reclassification would be at the subspecies level.
Brian
LCRC
Question of Corucia reclassication
Abstract:
Questions of Corucia being split into new species level classification based on miscarriages and supposed genetic sequence studies.
Introduction:
On the subject of genetic compatibility of Czz (Corucia zebrata zebrata-underlined) from various island groups. The jury is still out as some breeders of this species seem to have great success with different phenotypes.
A supposed work based on genetic research of Corucia from the Solomons has supposedly been done but the paper has failed to materialize for accessibility as of this date. The work was based on mitochondrial and nuclear genes of Corucia. However, the authors may be considered high splitters in mentioning 2 new species off of Czz.
Measurements at the genetic level can be the best indication but at most, I would think that a new classification of Czz into two subpecies would be the furthest possibility of reclassification.
I based this not only on morphology but demographics and peripheral isolate genetic drift of a species from the core group.
Geology:
Bougainville and Choiseul, are separated by the Bougainville strait . This is the only wide geographic separtion between islands in the archipelago and also indicated by the separation of the two known subspecies - the North Solomon monkey skink - Corucia zebrata alfredschmidti -Cza and the main archipelago monkey skink Corucia zebrata zebrata -Czz. The other island groups show a uniform spacing so a difference to the species level of Czz and have this more uniform geological separation where Cza would be considered different at the subspecies level only does not seem as plausible since Cza is more isolated geologically.
Genetic Drift:
Again Corucia zebrata alfredschmidti is the most distant population of Corucia in the archipelago and would fit into the concept of peripheral isolates evolving away from the core population twoard new subspeciation. The core population of Corucia is based on the Locus Typicus being from Quadalcanal (Balsai, 1995).
Morphology:
To date: based on work by Jones, Kohler, and Schnirel. The many features noted show differences between Corucia zebrata alfredschmidti and Corucia zebrata zebrata. But within Corucia zebrata zebrata, these morphological variations are not present.
In addition, The size difference between Cza and Czz separated by the Bougainville Strait matches the research of other animal species varying in size across the Bougainville Strait is documented by research by
Green/Slade and Bowen-Jones. No faunal differences of size has been documented to date from other islands in the Solomon archipelago.
Discussion:
The only way for fully proper analysis of this situation is a full study of all islands that house populations of corucia in the Solomon archipelago. Physical measurements as well as genetic research is strongely need. When that occurs, it is quite possible to find new surprises with Corucia classification. Genetically, each separate island with show some form of genetic drift through mitochondrial sequencing. It is only logical to conclude. However, it seems highly unlikely, based on all factors, that there will be two new species of Corucia pulled from the subspecies Corucia zebrata zebrata. again, the only possible reclassification would be at the subspecies level.
Brian
LCRC