Genome size variation and species diversity in salamanders

Abstract

Salamanders (Urodela) have among the largest vertebrate genomes, ranging in size from 10 to 120 pg. Although changes in genome size often occur randomly and in the absence of selection pressure, non-random patterns of genome size variation are evident among specific vertebrate lineages. Several reports suggest a relationship between species richness and genome size, but the exact nature of that relationship remains unclear both within and across different taxonomic groups. Here we report i) a negative relationship between haploid genome size (C-value) and species richness at the family taxonomic level in salamander clades; ii) a correlation of C-value and species richness with clade crown-age but not with diversification rates; iii) strong associations between C-value and either geographical area or climatic niche rate. Finally, we report a relationship between C-value diversity and species diversity at both the family and genus level clades in urodeles.