Abstract
Based on comprehensive distributional records of the 23 species currently assigned to the lizard genus Tropidurus, we investigated patterns of endemism and area relationships in South America. Two biogeographic methods were applied, Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity (PAE) and Brooks Parsimony Analysis (BPA). Two areas of endemism were detected by PAE: the first within the domains of the semiarid Brazilian Caatinga, which includes seven endemic species, and the second in the region of the Serranía de Huanchaca, eastern Bolivia, in which three endemic species are present. The area cladograms recovered a close relationship between the Atlantic Forest and areas of the South American open corridor. The results revealed a close relationship among the provinces Caatinga (Cerrado, Parana Forest (Pantanal+Chaco)). The uplift of the Brazilian Central Plateau in the Late Pliocene-Early Pleistocene (4-2 Myr BP) has been interpreted as a major event responsible for isolation and differentiation of biotas along these areas. However, we emphasize that without the establishment of a temporal framework concerning the diversification history of Tropidurus it is premature to correlate cladogenetic events with specific time periods or putative vicariant scenarios. The limiting factors hampering the understanding of the biogeographic history of this genus include (1) the absence of temporal references in relation to the diversification of distinct clades within Tropidurus; (2) the lack of an appropriate taxonomic resolution of the species complexes currently represented by widely distributed forms; and (3) the need for a comprehensive phylogenetic hypothesis. We suggest that these three important aspects should be prioritized in future investigations.
Highlights
Tropidurus Wied-Neuwied, 1825 is a large genus (23 known species) of South American lizards included in the family Tropiduridae whose species occupy open habitats of tropical and subtropical cis-Andean South America [1,2,3,4,5]
To detect areas of endemism and test the hypothesis of close historical relationships among areas composing the South American open corridor, we performed a cladistic biogeographic analysis based on the distributional records of the lizard genus Tropidurus using Brooks Parsimony Analysis (BPA) and Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity (PAE)
Our study addresses four major questions: (1) How many areas of endemism can be recovered based on the distribution of Tropidurus? (2) What are the patterns of area relationships recovered based on the distributional and phylogenetic information compiled for Tropidurus? (3) Are the patterns of area relationships in agreement with previously published hypotheses (e.g. (Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Caatinga (Cerrado+Chaco))? (4) Is it possible to identify putative vicariant events associated with the patterns of area relationships and species distribution analyzed?
Summary
Tropidurus Wied-Neuwied, 1825 is a large genus (23 known species) of South American lizards included in the family Tropiduridae whose species occupy open habitats of tropical and subtropical cis-Andean South America [1,2,3,4,5]. Biogeographic analyses based on the distribution of South American monophyletic groups represent, in turn, operative tests directed to corroborate or refute area relationship hypotheses.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
