Abstract
Two basic components of overall shape in scincid lizards were examined in 34 representative species: hind limb length and SVL, both relative to head length. In a bivariate plot of the total available morphological space, only 46% was occupied. Six species that represent the boundaries of the occupied morphological space include a climber on rounded boulders separated by precipitous interstices; a secretive litter-dweller; a bulky, slow moving omnivore; a sand walker/swimmer, and two limbless species. The unoccupied spaces in the total available morphological space represent areas where relative SVL may become too short to support sufficient body curvature in locomotion and where relative limb length may become too long to be supported by the body width. The mean number of presacral vertebrae is a strong proxy for a species' relative SVL (elongation).
Published Version
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