| Summary |
The main focus of this study was the construction of a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) based phylogeny for the dart-poison frogs (family Dendrobatidae). A phylogeny was derived using three mtDNA sequences; cytochrome b, 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and 12S rRNA. Sequence analysis indicated that previously described genera formed monophyletic groups with the exception of Epipedohatesfemoralis, which fell outside all other toxic dendrobatids, and Minyohates minutus, which fell within the genus Dendrobates. The analysis also supported the separation of Epipedohates into two groups: an Amazonian group and a western Andean group. A secondary goal was to examine Epipedohates tricolor and its relationship to suspected the synonyms E. species and E. anthonyi. Unfortunately, the phylogenetic resolution was poor and relationships among populations of these species remain ambiguous. Another goal was to apply the molecular phylogeny in comparative analysis involving coloration and toxicity, and toxicity and diet. A significant correlation was found between coloration and toxicity, supporting the untested assumption that coloration in dendrobatids is aposematic. Analysis of proportion of ants in the diet and species toxicity levels was not significant. Contradicting previous claims that these two variables are causally related. |
