Ecological, Biological and Genetic Adaptation to Xeric Habitats of iSalamandra infraimmaculata/ion the Southern Border of Its Distribution

摘要

In the present mini-review, published and unpublished data that have been collected for more than 40 years on the adaption of Salamandra infraimmaculata to semi-arid environments on the southern border of its distribution are presented. The contribution of the present paper is in building a model based on comparing moist habitats with predictable and relatively constant conditions to semi-arid habitats with relatively dry conditions. Based on these parameters, the model suggests adaptation to semi-arid habitats. More specifically, this model is based on the morphology, biology, behavior, life cycle and physiology of S. infraimmaculata adaptation. By considering these many parameters, one hypothesis was raised and was supported. The adaptation to and selection of semi-arid habitats depend mainly on the terrestrial phase and very little on the aquatic phases. In all of the semi-arid habitats, there are various breeding places where the larvae can grow and complete metamorphosis. The molecular genetic variation among the various areas supports our hypothesis, and the difference in the moist habitats is greater than in the semi-arid environments.