Vector of Trophic Resource Partitioning in the Variability of Individuals of the Generalized form of the Large African Barbs of the Barbus (= Labeobarbus) Intermedius Complex, Ethiopia, Tana, Langano and Awasa Lakes

Abstract

Abstract Analysis of the diversification of barbs of the generalized form of the Barbus (= Labeobarbus) intermedius complex in the monomorphic populations of Langano and Awasa lakes and in the polymorphic population of Lake Tana makes it possible to reveal parameters of the variability that is directed to trophic resource partitioning. The great similarity of the parameters revealed in the three studied water bodies shows that in monomorphic populations the structure of variability directed to trophic resource partitioning is identical to that in the polymorphic population. The concept of “vector of trophic resource partitioning” is introduced. In the polymorphic population, this vector makes the main contribution to the diversification of individuals, while its importance is secondary in monomorphic populations. It is concluded that the different evolutionary potential of polymorphic and monomorphic populations is determined by the specific weight of diversification caused by the vector of trophic resource partitioning. The original method of data analysis used in the study may be promising for studying similar situations in other systematic groups.