Date of Award
8-2018
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science - Biology
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Jennifer Gumm
Second Advisor
Dr. Matthew Kwiatkowski
Third Advisor
Dr. Vance Imhoff
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Josephine Taylor
Abstract
Invasive species are detrimental to native species and when hybridization is involved a decrease in biodiversity may result. Cyprinodon variegatus is an invasive species that has caused devastation to several Cyprinodon species through rapid hybridization and genetic introgression. Cyprinodon rubrofluviatilis is native to the Brazos, Wichita and Red Rivers but fish collected between 2006-2012 from the Brazos River expressed intermediate morphological traits suggesting hybridization had occurred. My objective was to investigate if C. variegatus and C. rubrofluviatilis had hybridized in the Brazos River and if so, to determine the extent of introgression. Molecular analysis of specimens collected between 2013-2017 identified low levels of introgression in 2013-2015 but no signs of hybridization in 2017. Morphological analysis showed significant differences between species, genetic grouping, river, and most drainages with little evidence of intermediate phenotypes. Although hybridization and introgression between C. variegatus and C. rubrofluviatilis is not widespread, it remains a threat to native Cyprinodon in this region.
Repository Citation
Ayers, Kristina, "Analysis of Hybridization Between Native and Invasive Pupfishes (Cyprinodon)" (2018). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 211.
https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/211
