Phylogeographic uniformity in mitochondrial DNA of the snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

Abstract

Previous studies have revealed considerable genetic variation, geographic localization, and genealogical depth for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes within each of several species of freshwater turtles in the south-eastern United States of America. Here we report a notable exception to such phylogeographic patterns. In control-region sequences of 66 snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) collected from 10 south-eastern states, a single mtDNA haplotype predominated and the two rare variants detected were nearly identical to the common genotype. This pattern of low mtDNA variation and a lack of appreciable geographic population structure is extremely unusual for a widely distributed animal species. For purposes of taxonomy and conservation, these findings suggest the presence of only one 'evolutionarily significant unit' for C. serpentina in this otherwise phylogeographically rich region of the country. Possible explanations for this phylogeographic pattern in the snapping turtle are considered.