Genetic polymorphism and evolution in parthenogenetic animals

Abstract

Tetraploid parthenogenetic Otiorrhynchus scaber weevils have been collected from 123 populations in Finland, Norway and Sweden; from three populations in the northern Carpathian mountains; and from one population in Switzerland. Genetic polymorphism within and between populations has been studied by starch-gel electrophoresis. In general four weevils have been assayed from a single population. All tetraploid O. scaber weevils studied represent a clearly monophyletic lineage, but there is considerable genetic variation within and between populations. Altogether 75 different genotypes were observed, of which 27 occur in more than one population. Half of the total number of weevils studied belong to three major genotypes. The geographic distribution of most genotypes is correlated with the major biotic zones of northern Europe. and therefore it is assumed that different genotypes are adapted to live under different ecological conditions.