Download or read book The Evolution and Maintenance of the Color Polymorphism in Plethodon Cinereus (Caudata: Plethodontidae) written by Maggie M. Hantak and published by . This book was released on 2019 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Color polymorphism is the presence of two or more distinct, genetically determined color morphs within a single interbreeding population. An underexplored question in color polymorphic species pertains to how distinct phenotypes are maintained within and among populations. Little work has been done to examine geographic patterns in polymorphisms, with most studies focusing on a single population. Mechanisms that may maintain polymorphisms include negative frequency dependent selection, spatiotemporal variation in selection, and gene flow among populations. Investigating these mechanisms in multiple populations provides insight into the processes underlying the maintenance of genetic variation within and among populations. The Eastern Red-backed Salamander, Plethodon cinereus, is widespread throughout northeastern North America, and has two common color morphs: striped and unstriped. Previous studies have suggested that the two color morphs of P. cinereus differ in many elements of their biology, including physiology, territoriality, and mating interactions. However, most studies focus on a single biological feature in a single population, so little is known about diversifying selection.