Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Reproductive Techniques for Ovarian Monitoring and Control in Amphibians
Published on: May 12, 2019
Morphological variation in a Japanese salamander, Hynobius kimurae (Amphibia, Caudata)
Masafumi Matsui1, Yasuchika Misawa, Kanto Nishikawa
1Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Nihonmatsu-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan. fumi@zoo.zool.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
We studied variation in morphometric and meristic characters and color pattern in the salamander Hynobius kimurae, examining 282 males from 24 localities encompassing the whole distributional range of the species in Honshu, the mainland of Japan. Multivariate analyses of 24 morphometric characters resulted in the separation of two groups, (1) eastern populations from the Kanto District to Shizuoka Prefecture of the Chubu District, and (2) central-western populations from Aichi Prefecture of the Chubu District westwards. Similar groups were recognized in meristic characters and color pattern. These geographic patterns of morphological variation coincided with the pattern of genetic differentiation inferred from allozymes in this species, except for the position of one population from the intermediate region. Some of the morphometric and meristic characters significantly correlated with environmental parameters of sampling sites, and suggested effects of differential habitat conditions among populations on the geographic morphological variation in this species.
Related Concept Videos
Hybrid Zones
Lampbrush Chromosomes
LBCs are made up of two pairs of conjugating homologous chromatids. Each chromatid consists of alternatively positioned regions of condensed-inactive chromatin and loosely placed-active side loops, which can be contracted and extended. The loops resemble the...
Diversity of Protists IV
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Osmoregulation in Insects
Comparative Excretory Systems

