Discussion: Jordan & Snell (2008)

After our in-class discussion, you should respond to at least two other student’s posts before the primary literature exam on Thursday, Feb 25.

Reference:  Jordan, M. A., and H. L. Snell. 2008. Historical fragmentation of islands and genetic drift in populations of Galápagos lava lizards (Microlophus albemarlensis complex). Mol. Ecol. 17:1224–1237. 

The study categorized Isla Daphne Major as a diverse islet primarily due to its vegetation profile. However, the genetic diversity and differentiation of the lava lizard population living in this area is comparable to the barren islets despite the ecological similarity to other diverse islets. What could be the underlying reason behind this finding?