Using RAPD Method on Systematic Evolution of Four Species in Anura

The phylogenetic relationships of four species,Bufo melanostictus,Hyla chinensis,Rana limnocharis and Rana guentheri,which belong to three differrent families of Anura,were detected with RAPD technique.The genomic DNA of each species was amplified with 19 random primers.16 primers given clear amplified bands were used for analysis and the genetic distances between four species were calculated.The results show that RAPD bands obtained by all 16 primers evinced different degree polymorphisms.The genetic distance between R.limnocharis and R.guentheri is the nearest,that between B.melanostictus and H.chinensis is the second nearest,and that between B.melanostictus and R.guentheri is the furthest.The different distances also indicated that the relationship between Bufoidae and Hylidae is closer than that between Bufonidae and Ranidae at genomic DNA level.In concordant with the conclusion of the morphology,chromosomal and mitochondrial DNA studies,our results provide a new evidence of the systematic evolution of the three families of Anura at DNA molecular level.