Contact zone and hybridization of oviparous and viviparous common lizard lineages (Zootoca vivipara) in SloveniaKekec, Blaž (Avtor) Trontelj, Peter (Mentor) Recknagel, Hans (Komentor) reptilesZootocaviviparityoviparityreproductive modeparity modemorphological measurementsmorphologyThe thesis investigates lineage distribution and phenotypic variation in the common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) on Pohorje and Pokljuka, examining variation both within and among lineages. The species is exceptional due its reproductive bimodality, meaning that both oviparous and viviparous lineages occur within the species. This has been reported only in three lizard species. The aim was to identify which oviparous and viviparous lineages occur in the study areas, assess whether the lineages come into contact and test whether they differ in morphological traits. 195 lizards were captured, measured and photographed; tissue samples were collected for cyt b genotyping. Females were kept in captivity until reproduction to determine parity mode and to screen for hybridization based on reproductive traits. Uni - and multivariate linear models, and PCA were used to test for sex and lineage-related variation. Genetic analyses revealed the presence of the eastern oviparous (EO), central viviparous II (CVII), and western viviparous (WV) lineages. No hybrids were detected. Results showed sexual dimorphism: females were larger in body size but smaller in head and tail measurements. Lineage effects were inconsistent and limited to specific traits. Linear models suggested larger head and pileus length, tail length and body mass in the EO lineage. MANOVA indicated lineage differences mainly in head measures and mass, with larger values in the CVII lineage. PCA showed overlap between lineages and highlighted sex as the dominant source of morphological variation. Coloration differed between sexes, but no significant lineage effect was detected. Reproductive traits differed clearly between lineages: oviparous females produced larger clutches with greater clutch mass and a longer incubation period, whereas viviparous females produced offspring later with near-immediate emergence. Oviparous offspring were longer and heavier at emergence.[B. Kekec]20262026-04-10 07:15:08Magistrsko delo/naloga181521UDK: 598.161.21:591.37(043.2)VisID: 279312COBISS_ID: 274785283sl