Abstract
Morphological variation in the abdominal skeleton of Tropiduridae was examined from radiographs and cleared-and-stained specimens of 61 species. Based on the numbers of xiphisternal and postxiphisternal inscriptional ribs, as well as the presence of inscriptional ribs articulating ventromedially, seven patterns of rib attachment are described. The distribution of these patterns among the species studied reveals intra- and interspecific variation, which indicates that the abdominal skeleton of lizards is a good source of fixed and polymorphic characters for phylogenetic analyses.
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.
