Rostovska O. Geographical patterns of structural changes of green frog hybrid populations of the Pelophylax esculentus complex (Linnaeus, 1758) in Ukraine

This is a complex study of green frog hybrid populations of the P. esculentus (L., 1758) complex, including investigations of allozyme variability and planimetry of erythrocytes. Data has been obtained of the genetic structure of hybrid populations over all of Ukraine. Hybrid green frog populations in Ukraine are presented by six genetic forms (biotypes). Areas and the extent of the distribution of genetically different forms of pond frog were revealed. The present study shows the larger degree of its genetic differentiation within Ukraine compared to another parental species - the marsh frog. It has been revealed that in Ukraine frogs with abnormal alleles of the Ldh-B gene in majority are found in the middle reaches of the Dnipro River. A hypothesis has been set forward connecting the modern state and distribution of various genetic forms of pond frogs with modification of the habitable areas by the action of glaciers during the Dnipro Ice Age.