Molecular cztogenetic analysis of adaptive radiation in the gecko genus Paroedura (Squamata:Gekkota)

Paroedura genus includes 17 described species endemic to Madagascar and the Comoros Islands, where they went through a significant adaptive radiation. The genus Paroedura is monophyletic and well supported hypothesis on phylogenetic relationships among its species was published. Species vary considerably in body size and morphology and in preferences for habitat, some species live in sympatry. The genus Paroedura belongs to cytogenetically poorly studied family Gekkonidae which exhibits high variability in modes of sex determination and in comparison with basal gecko lineages, also considerable variability in the chromosome number and morphology. Karyotypes of only two species of the genus (P. picta, P. sp.) have been published. The aim of my thesis was to describe karyotypes of both sexes in all available species of the genus using conventional and molecular cytogenetic methods, to perform the phylogenetic analysis of karyotype evolution and chromosomal rearrangements in the genus, to assess the role of these rearrangements in the speciation of the genus and to detect sex chromosomes. I acquired karyotypes of both sexes in nine species representing the most of major phylogenetic lineages of the genus. According to the results, species can be divided into three groups according to diploid..