Molecular and Morphological Evidence for Rana kunyuensis as a Junior Synonym of Rana coreana (Anura: Ranidae)
We investigate the relationship between Rana coreana and Rana kunyuensis using morphological and molecular data. Morphological comparisons showed these two species to be identical in terms of body measurements and qualitative characteristics. Phylogenetic analyses found that R. kunyuensis and R. coreana are nested within a single clade and exhibited low divergence across several mitochondrial and nuclear genes. All evidence indicates that R. kunyuensis and R. coreana are the same species, making R. kunyuensis a junior synonym of R. coreana. This study stresses the importance of comprehensive taxon sampling, especially in neighboring countries.Abstract
Distribution map of sampling locations of R. coreana and R. kunyuensis. The dotted line indicates ocean areas of sea level depth less than 80 m that were dry land during lower sea levels of the Late Quaternary.
The maximum likelihood (ML) phylogeny based on the combined dataset (mtDNA + nuDNA). The nodal support values are marked as ML bootstrap proportions/Bayesian posterior probabilities.
Dorsal surface of (A) R. kunyuensis and (B) R. coreana and plantar surface of the left foot of (C) R. kunyuensis and (D) R. coreana.
Contributor Notes
These authors contributed equally to this publication.
