What genetic markers suggested four main genetic groupings across the rangewide scale in western subspecies analysis?
Answer
Microsatellite markers
Molecular studies utilizing specific genetic tools were employed to investigate the relationships between western subspecies (*gambelii*, *oriantha*, and *pugetensis*). The analysis employing microsatellite markers yielded a pattern indicating the existence of four primary genetic clusters across the entire range sampled. This finding suggested that the boundaries defined by traditional subspecies taxonomy did not perfectly align with the observed patterns of gene flow indicated by these highly variable genetic markers.
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