Morphometric Variables Research Articles

Studi Perbedaan Fenotipe Kambing Perah Berdasarkan Analisis Canonikal

Crossbreeding is carried out with the aim of enhancing and combining favorable traits between different breeds. The results of crossbreeding can be analyzed through genetic distance measured by various parameters, including morphometric measurements of livestock bodies. This study aims to analyze the morphometric diversity based on body measurements and canonical analysis in PE, Saanen, and Sapera goats to determine their genetic proximity. The research utilized a quantitative descriptive method using primary and secondary data from the BALITNAK Ciawi dairy goat station through a canonical analysis approach. The study and collection of primary and secondary data were conducted from March to April 2022. The research was carried out at the BALITNAK Dairy Goat Research Station in Ciawi Subdistrict, Bogor Regency. The results of this study indicate that the genetic distance between Sapera and Saanen goats is closer than between Sapera and PE goats. Furthermore, in terms of body measurements, the measurements of Sapera goats are closer to the Saanen goats compared to the PE goats. It can be concluded that the body size of Sapera goats is more similar to that of PE goats, while their external appearance is closer to the Saanen goats, which have predominantly white fur color.

Widespread butterflies follow inconsistent trends in the Bergmann's rule and flight morphometry: Implications for conservation in the Western Himalaya

The Bergmann's rule relating eco-geographic pattern in body size of species with latitude/elevation, remain unexplored among different animal taxa including insects from the Indian Himalayan Region that ranges in elevation and environmental conditions. The applicability of the rule was tested using body size data set of natural adult male populations of six butterfly species that were common in abundance and occur over a range of elevations in the Western Himalaya. The influence of changes in body size on flight related morphometry was also explored to understand the adaptative and dispersal strategies of the species across elevations. Among the various morphometric traits, the principal component analysis revealed that the forewing length was the most reliable measure of determining the body size clinal pattern in butterflies. Species Danaus chrysippus, Danaus genutia and Vanessa indica strongly followed the Bergmann's rule, while Papilio polytes followed the converse Bergmann's rule. By contrast, Pieris brassicae and Catopsilia pomona exhibited a moderate clinal pattern and partially followed the converse of the rule. The flight related morphometric indices namely, wing load and aspect ratio varied among species and showed no regular pattern along elevational gradients. The results suggested inconsistent trends in intra-specific morphometric variations of widespread butterfly species, crucial to comprehend their conservation strategies in the Western Himalaya.

Larsemann Hills: Geomorphometric modeling and mapping

Geomorphometric modeling is widely used in geosciences. However, geomorphometric modeling and mapping of Antarctic oases has not been performed so far. This article presents the first results of our work on geomorphometric modeling and mapping of the Larsemann Hills obtained in the frameworks of the 68th Russian Antarctic Expedition in January–April 2023. As input data, we used a fragment of the Reference Elevation Model of Antarctica (REMA). From the extracted and edited digital elevation model, we derived digital models and maps of the following 17 morphometric variables: slope, aspect, horizontal curvature, vertical curvature, mean curvature, Gaussian curvature, minimal curvature, maximal curvature, unsphericity curvature, difference curvature, vertical excess curvature, horizontal excess curvature, ring curvature, accumulation curvature, catchment area, topographic index, and stream power index. We also conducted a field geomorphometric interpretation work to provide correct physical geographic, geological, and geomorphological interpretations of morphometric maps. In the fieldwork, we carried out 54 foot routes with the total length of about 422 km. During the routes, we collected 150 rock samples for further petrological and mineralogical analyses as well as three-dimensional modeling of the samples. Derived morphometric maps can be useful for structural geological and process-oriented hydrological studies. The ultimate goal of the ongoing work is to create a large-scale geomorphometric atlas of Antarctic oases and other ice-free Antarctic territories.

Effect of fertilization on Pinus pinea cone to seed and kernel yields

Stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) is a species of economic interest mainly due to its pine nuts, the most expensive nut in the world. Despite the high value of pine nuts, cones are mainly harvested from unmanaged forests. Therefore, research and its applications are needed to develop nutritional management techniques among other cultivation practices intened to boost production. This study evaluated the effect of fertilization on cone production and quality (cone weight and size, number of seeds and kernels, and health status), which in turn may affect cone to seed and cone to kernel yields. Fertilization consisted of two applications of macro and micronutrients in two adult plantations twice in the growing season (in spring and fall). Morphometric variables, cone production per tree and cone health were evaluated during two years after fertilization. Fertilization effect on cone production was positive and significant in both years, with variations between years. Most of the morphometric variables were positively impacted by fertilization, including cone diameter (3.5% increase), kernel weight and length (7.7% and 2.7% increase, respectively), and total seed and kernel weight per cone (20.9% and 18.6% increase, respectively). Fertilized stone pine trees increased production and quality of cones, seeds and kernels, but did not increase cone to seed or kernel yields. However, fertilization increased type II seed damage by 45.4% and 18.9% in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The results obtained in this research may help producers adopt cultural practices to boost pine nut production.

Geomorphological significance of the morphometric characteristics of first-order basins in the Siwalik Hills in the Himalayas, Nepal

ABSTRACT First-order basin morphology is important for the functioning of the whole hydrologic system. This study examines the geomorphology of three areas in the tectonically active Siwalik Hills, Nepal, using morphometric variables. Twenty variables for 11,200 first-order basins were obtained from maps and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) of three areas (the Machheli, Banganga and Binai river basins). Principal component analysis of each area condensed these into 6 major components, which accounted for 78–82% of the total variance in each data set. Rotated principal components were remarkably consistent between the three areas. The average slope, area, elevation range, valley angle, shape index, hypsometric integral, basin asymmetry factor and drainage density were identified as the eight most important morphometric variables defining these components. Ordinal grouping and k-means clustering led to recognition of eight basin types, distinguished predominantly by elevation range, average slope, area and valley angle. Shallow and steep basins are predominant in all three areas. The spatial distribution of first-order basin types exhibits a distinct pattern of geomorphic regions. The study demonstrated that a first-order basin is a suitable unit to demonstrate the morphological characteristics of a geologically complex area, and the study approach can be applied more broadly.

Morphometric Diversity of Date Palm (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) Cultivars from Gujarat Estimated by Fruit Characteristics

Morphometric Diversity of Date Palm (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) Cultivars from Gujarat Estimated by Fruit Characteristics

Morphometric versus genetic variation in the Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus in Italy

ABSTRACT Capsule The Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus from breeding sites in Italy has little genetic variability in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene but shows morphological variation suggesting isolation of some populations. Aims To investigate the morphometric and genetic trait variation of Eurasian Reed Warbler populations at a large temporal and spatial scale. Methods We analysed morphometric traits and the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene of samples collected over 25 years, from populations at seven sites across the Italian peninsula and islands. Results While we found no genetic differences, we detected significantly smaller body sizes in individuals breeding in Sicily and Sardinia compared to those from mainland Italy. There were also significant body size differences between two Sicilian populations: one larger breeding on the southern coast and the other smaller at an inner highland site. Conclusion The morphometric data, together with the site fidelity of individuals, are consistent with there being isolation of some populations. Specifically, our results are consistent with an example of polyphenism, morphological plasticity, in the populations of the main Italian islands, Sicily and Sardinia.

Responses of diversity and morphometric traits of ground beetles to soil chemical properties in industrial city of China

Industrial and agricultural activities result in the direct release of contaminants into soil, which alters and destructs the habitats of soil biota. Clarifying the effects of soil contamination on soil organisms can provide a theoretical basis for the conservation of soil organisms. In this study, 3 nonmetal elements (total C, total N, total P), 5 light metal elements (total K, Ca, Mg, Al, Na), 5 heavy metal elements (Fe, Hg, Pb, Mn, Zn) and soil pH, and 18 morphological traits of carabid species were analysed to explore the responses of spatial variation of species diversity, community composition and morphometric traits to differences of soil chemical properties in four sites (Cement Plant, Coal Coking Plant, Village and Nature Reserve) in Gujiao City, the largest coking coal production city of China. In total, 1095 carabid beetles representing 59 species were recorded, with the greatest richness and activity abundance of ground beetles were found in Cement Plant and the largest species diversity was found in Coal Coking Plant, Nature Reserve contained carabid assemblages distinct from the other three sites. As for species distribution, 14 soil chemical properties could be associated with 43.2% of the observed variation, with soil Zn, N, Ca and Mn being the most important in explaining the spatial variation of the species. Changes in the type of economic activity had a significant influence on the 18 morphometric traits of carabid species, species of Coal Coking Plant and Nature Reserve had larger morphological traits than the other two sites. Variations in morphometric traits showed a significant correlation with soil chemical properties, especially body wide and profemora length, with 14 soil factors explaining more than 60% of their variance. Soil Mg, Mn, total N and pH value contributed the most in explaining morphometric traits variability of ground beetles. In summary, changes in soil chemical properties due to industrial and agricultural activities have led to carabid species diversity, community and morphometric traits changes. Soil health management is prerequisites that contribute to conserve soil biodiversity and function in industrial areas.

A morphological Study of Anatomical Variations of Frontal Sinus in Adult Libyan People Using CT Scan

Background: The structure of the frontal sinus varies greatly, and these differences influence the onset and progression of clinical diseases. Frontal sinus morphology is unique to each individual and may be used to properly identify people. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the morphometric anatomical variations of the frontal sinus in adult Libyan people using a CT scan in relation to gender. Method and result: 147 patients (78 females and 69 males) were included in this study. Patients were divided into three groups regarding their frontal sinus pneumatization extent on the orbital roof: group 1 pneumatization (small), group 2 pneumatization (medium), and group 3 pneumatization (large). We found that the most common frontal sinus type is medium-sized (37.75 %), followed by the small (24.8%) and large (22.8%) types, respectively. There was no significant difference between the right and left sides in terms of frontal sinus type (P-value = 0,311). We recorded aplasia in 17.7% of all patients, which included (bilateral in 9.5%, left unilateral in 2% and right unilateral in 6.1%). In conclusion, we classified frontal sinuses using the categorization established by Stokovic et al. and showed that pneumatization patterns differ even between two opposite sides of the same individual.

Morphometric variability of Praomys misonnei (Rodentia: Muridae) in west central African forests reveals complex relationships between populations

This study addresses the morphological biometrics of Praomys misonnei and the signatures of its population history through a survey of external morphological characters measured on 133 individuals from eight West Central African (Gabon and Cameroon) localities. Four standard external characters were measured: head + body length, tail length, hindfoot length, and ear length. Using univariate and multivariate statistics, we inferred inter-population relationships from these morphometric characteristics and tested hypotheses of historical patterns of local adaptation (phylogenetic relationships) or of association with ecological gradients. We also tested the influence of sex on morphometric parameters. Our results support the existence of two morphometrically distinct groups of P. misonnei. The first one includes individuals from northern, central, and southern Gabon, while the second one includes individuals from southern Cameroon and one locality in southern Gabon (Mbaya). This result could be explained by the fact that the first group inhabits an area mainly covered by dense rainforest (about 90% of Gabon), while the second group is found in degraded forest or mosaics of forest-savanna habitats (Cameroon and southeastern Gabon). Another reason could be seasonal reversal, which has been postulated right at border between Gabon and Cameroon. The pattern of morphometric variation was correlated with local environmental factors. No sexual dimorphism was recorded.

A 3D REPOSITORY OF DINOSAUR TEETH: THE GENERATION OF OPEN RESOURCES FOR THE CLASSIFICATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF SPECIMENS

Abstract. Among the many valuable uses of the artificial intelligence in the field of museums, it may assist the classification of out-of-context items. This paper deals with the problem of the identification of dinosaur teeth (a type of fossil that is usually found scattered), which can be tackled by means of multivariate algorithms (such as the principal components, discriminant or cluster analyses) taking as a starting point a series of morphometric values (i.e., distances between specific points of the fossil tooth). A good interpretation requires some comprehension regarding the mathematical algorithms that are used, as well as the specific knowledge in palaeontology that permits appreciating the actual reach of the results. However, based on metric values as the computations are, there must also be some control over their precision and the possibility of checking the old measurements or complete the list of morphometric variables. This is an aspect that may be solved if the three-dimensional models of the teeth are made publicly available.The text describes the 3D documentation of a set of twelve fossil teeth of the museum of Natural Sciences of Álava (Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain) —approximately from 1 to 6 cm in size— using a structured light scanner and close-up photographs for recording some features smaller than the resolution of the scanner. The information about each tooth was then packed and uploaded to the university repository, from where it is also accessible via cultural and scientific aggregators (such as Europeana); likewise, reduced resolution copies are also accessible in the commercial platform Sketchfab®.

Leaf morphometric variation among the different natural sources ofCinnamomum zeylanicum Blume. in Uttara Kannada district

Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume., native to Sri Lanka and the West coast region of India, belongs to the familyLauraceae.True cinnamon leaves are valuable NTFP and also used for the commercial extraction of essential oil. Theprotogynous dichogamy of the cinnamon flower is a natural adaptation for cross-pollination. An enormous diversity ofCinnamon has been produced by this special type of pollination behaviour. Thus, the current study aimed to determine theextent of morphological variation within and among the sources. The study was conducted during the period of 2020-22 atthe various sites in the Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka. Sixty phenotypically superior cinnamon trees were selectedamong the six different natural sources, for the evaluation of five leaf morphometric parameters. In this study, the dark greencoloured leaves were predominately expressed in all six sources and all tree had only green coloured petiole. Five types ofleaf shape viz., elliptic, oblong, ovate, ovate-elliptic and ovate lanceolate and four types of leaf apex (acuminate, acute, sub-acute and obtuse) were noticed among the six sources. Elliptic leaf shape and acuminate leaf tip was predominantlyexpressed. Leaf morphometric traits could be easily used to measure the magnitude of the diversity

Shell morphometric variation of the freshwater snail, Melanoides tuberculata (Müller, 1774) across the seven lakes of San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines

The seven maar lakes of San Pablo City in Laguna Province constantly face natural and anthropogenic disturbances that affect the water quality and habitat condition of various aquatic species, including freshwater gastropods. Freshwater gastropods exposed to multiple biotic and abiotic stressors are known to alter their shells as a form of ecomorphological adaptation. However, there are no studies yet regarding shell variations across these lakes as subjected to perturbations in water quality. The shell morphometrics of the common native freshwater snail, Melanoides tuberculata, distributed across the seven lakes was examined to address this research gap. Various water parameters were measured prior to collection of snails along the littoral zones. One hundred ninety-seven M. tuberculata shells were subjected to linear and geometric morphometrics. The biggest shells were sampled in Lake Sampaloc while the smallest was in Lake Bunot. Centroid size also contributed significantly to the shell shape variation. Generalized linear mixed modeling results suggest water temperature had the most significant effect on shell shape change. Shells exposed to colder waters exhibited wider and shorter whorls with constricted apertures, whereas those collected in warmer waters have slender and slightly taller whorls with expanded apertures. The present study demonstrated the possible plasticity of M. tuberculata shells which could serve as important information in understanding the habitat conditions of the maar lakes of San Pablo City.

Morphometric Variation in Lepidogrammus cumingi and Dasylophus superciliosus from Greater Luzon, Philippines based on Museum Specimens

The monotypic Scale-feathered Malkoha Lepidogrammus cumingi (Fraser 1839) and polytypic Red-crested Malkoha Dasylophus superciliosus (Dumont 1823) are two of the endemic cuckoos in the Philippines. The taxonomy and distribution of these endemic cuckoos are poorly known. Recent distribution data of these cuckoos showed broader distribution patterns in the islands of Luzon, Catanduanes, and Marinduque; however, morphometric variations among these island populations are still unknown. While both species are sexually monomorphic, the differences between sexes were mainly based on plumage coloration. Dasylophus superciliosus is composed of two subspecies: ssp. superciliosus (Southern Luzon) and ssp. cagayanensis (Northern Luzon). The separation of the two subspecies of D. superciliosus was determined by the differences in superciliary feather, the coloration of breast plumage, and the tail band. In this study, we investigated the morphometric variations (1) between subspecies of D. superciliosus, (2) among island populations, and (3) between sexes (sexual dimorphism) of the two malkoha species. Four linear measurements (bill length, wing length, tarsus length, and tail length) were measured from 184 museum specimens. Results showed that the Catanduanes group (n=10) of L. cumingi exhibited a smaller body size than the Marinduque group (n=9). Red-crested Malkoha D. superciliosus showed significant differences between its two subspecies where the ssp. cagayanensis (n=28) exhibited smaller body size (bill length, wing length, and tail length) compared to ssp. superciliosus (n=81). Lastly, this study confirms that the two malkoha species are sexually monomorphic based on the analyzed morphometric data.

A comparative taphonomic study of tooth marks caused by Iberian wolves (Canis lupus signatus) and domestic hunting dogs (Rehala) (Canis familiaris) on bovine scapulae, for taxonomic differentiation

For many years, the conflict between humans and wolves has persisted due to the death of livestock attributed to the attack of these animals and dogs, causing high economic costs to owners and governments. To remedy this problem, differential compensation programs have been established for the affected owners, depending on the attacker. Obtaining these benefits requires evidence to demonstrate the veracity of the complaint. Reliable approaches are needed nowadays to detect the predator, beyond any reasonable doubt. Although the analysis of teeth marks on bones has been used to differentiate carnivores, especially for archaeological purposes, its interpretation for forensic purposes is still ambiguous, due to the high range of factors that can influence tooth mark patterns, and it has scarcely been considered in previous work. This study analyzed and compared the tooth marks caused by captive Iberian wolves and by a group of domestic hunting dogs (rehala) on fresh, and disarticulated (isolated) bovine scapulae, for taxonomic differentiation purposes. Wolves showed a higher rate of modification throughout the study and, although tooth marks caused by wolves tend to be larger and wider than those caused by dogs, in most cases it was possible to find overlap between the two subspecies. Bone modifications are conditioned by a number of factors intrinsic to the scavenger or predator species, and intrinsic to the aggressor and the environment, that must be considered during the interpretation of tooth marks found on bones at a crime scene. Along with the comprehensive analysis of all evidence, the analysis of new variables of tooth marks on bones, using novel image processing methodologies and statistical analysis, has shown high potential to identify the morphological and/or morphometric variables that allow taxonomic differentiation

An evaluation of the macro anatomy of the Hazel Dormouse’s (Muscardinus avellanarius Linnaeus, 1758) (Rodentia: Mammalia) skeletal system in Türkiye

Muscardinus avellanarius, one of the thirty species of the Gliridae family, is found in areas covered with deciduous forests, with a range stretching from Bursa (Uludağ) to Trabzon in Türkiye. Hazel Dormouse, classified as an endangered species and characterized by their deep hibernation patterns, possess significant value as bioindicators of environmental change. In this study, a macro-anatomical evaluation of the skeletal structure of forty-six specimens collected from the Eastern and Western Black Sea Regions between 1979 and 1983 were conducted. The evaluation revealed that the whole skeleton of Muscardinus avellanarius consisted of 225 bones. The morphometric variances and variations between the Eastern Black Sea and Western Black Sea specimens were detected by defining the skull and baculum bones that hold taxonomic value.

Phenotypic Characterization of Creole Cattle in the Andean Highlands Using Bio-Morphometric Measures and Zoometric Indices

Several Creole cattle biotypes can be found in the Andean highlands, and most of them are considered as being in risk of extinction. The main aim of the present study was to perform a phenotypic characterization of the Creole cattle in the Andean highlands using bio-morphometric measures and zoometric indices. Individuals from three different biotypes (Black ‘Negro’ (n = 57), Colour-Sided ‘Callejón’ (n = 20), and Brindle ‘Atigrado’ (n = 18)) from an experimental research center located in the Peruvian highlands were enrolled in the study. In total, seventeen morphometric parameters were evaluated and ten zoometric indices were calculated in each biotype. To test the relationship between biometric traits, correlation analyses were carried out between morphometric parameters. Differences were observed regarding different morphometric variables such as head length (HL) and rump length (RL) among cattle biotypes (p ≤ 0.05). The coefficient of variation (CV; %) regarding different morphometric parameters ranged between 11.32 for neck length (NL) and 3.63 for height at withers (HaW), which indicated low–moderate variability among morphometric variables. Differences were observed in the longitudinal pelvic index (LPI) when different zoometric indices were compared among biotypes (p ≤ 0.05). The CV regarding different zoometric indices, which ranged between 10.78 for the cephalic index (CEI) and 5.05 for LPI, indicated low variability among indices. No differences were observed in any other morphometric parameter or zoometric index among cattle biotypes or genders (p > 0.05). Finally, multiple correlations were observed between morphometric variables (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, it was determined that Peruvian Andean Creole cattle can be considered as a dairy-related biotype with a slight tendency for beef production (dual-purpose). The great homogeneity regarding zoometric characteristics among biotypes and genders may indicate that the Andean Creole cattle have been maintained quite isolated, avoiding the genetic influence of other foreign breeds. Finally, the phenotypic characterization including bio-morphometric measurements and zoometric indices obtained from the different Creole bovine biotypes is crucial in order to begin different conservation programs to preserve cattle breeds in the Peruvian Andean highlands.

Morphometric Diversity and Genetic Relationship of “Bangkok” Chicken (Thai Game Fowl) in East Java, Indonesia

Morphometric Diversity and Genetic Relationship of “Bangkok” Chicken (Thai Game Fowl) in East Java, Indonesia

Morpho-meristic characteristics and growth pattern of walking snakehead (Channa orientalis) collected from different locations of Northwestern Bangladesh

This study aimed to reveal the morphometric and meristic variations, length-weight relationships, and condition factor of Channa orientalis collected from three regions (Kurigram, Rangpur, and Lalmonirhat districts) of Northwestern Bangladesh. Fifteen morphometric and six meristic characteristics were selected. Eight morphometric characteristics were significantly different (p<.05) among the regions; three characteristics were highly significant (p<.001) in Kurigram (Pre-orbital distance, PrOD; Lower-jaw length, LJL; Upper-jaw length, UJL) indicating C. orientalis population of Kurigram was significantly different (p<.001) from the other two locations. On the other hand, among six meristic characteristics, number of dorsal fin rays (DFR), pectoral fin rays (PFR), anal fin rays (AFR), and branchiostegal rays (BR) were found to be significantly different among three locations. The values of PFR varied significantly (p<.05) in Kurigram, which distinguishes the other two regions. Likewise, DFR and BR showed significant variations in the Rangpur region, whereas AFR significantly (p<.001) separated the Lalmonirhat population from the others. In length-weight relationships, the generalized relationship between total length (TL) and body weight (BW) were BW=0.007TL3.147 (r2=0.945), BW=0.03TL2.573 (r2=0.916) and BW=0.008TL3.084 (r2=0.899) for Kurigram, Rangpur, and Lalmonirhat, respectively. The growth pattern showed positive allometric in Kurigram (b=3.14) and Lalmonirhat (b=3.08). Negative allometric was observed in Rangpur (b=2.57). The study exhibited a higher condition factor (K) value in Kurigram (1.068) and Rangpur (1.049) whereas the lowest in Lalmonirhat (0.978). The study reveals that the C. orientalis population`s morpho-meristic and growth status were comparatively better in Kurigram region.

Systematics and biogeography of Anoura cultrata (Mammalia, Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae): a morphometric, niche modeling, and genetic perspective, with a taxonomic reappraisal of the genus.

The nectar-feeding bats of the genus Anoura are widely distributed in the Neotropics, but are most speciose in the Andes. Anoura cultrata is a rare mid-elevation bat occurring in South and Central America. It is thought to be one of the few bat species exemplifying a latitudinal cline in body size. We address three systematic and biogeographic questions: 1) is the geographic variation in A. cultrata continuous, as argued to justify its current monotypic status? 2) do ecogeographic barriers to dispersal affect such variation? and 3) how do the genetic divergence and biogeography of the species compare to those of other members of the genus? To answer these questions, we used morphometric analyses, ecological niche modeling, and DNA barcoding. We divided the samples of A. cultrata into six geographic groups, delimited by topographic depressions separating mountain systems. We did not find significant correlations between body size and the geographic coordinates within five groups. Therefore, we conclude that ecogeographic barriers to dispersal between the regions occupied by such groups influenced morphometric variation in A. cultrata, and that despite its general north to south reduction in body size, the species does not show continuous clinal variation. A recent phylogenetic study of the genus Anoura concluded that it contains seven valid species. Our DNA barcoding analysis and morphological examination indicated that at least 10 species should be recognized, including A. peruana distinct from A. geoffroyi, and A. aequatoris and A. luismanueli distinct from A. caudifer. Moreover, we show that Central and South American populations of A. cultrata differ from each other at least at the subspecific level, thus we respectively refer to them as A. cultrata cultrata and as A. c. brevirostrum. Similarly, we refer to Central American and Mexican populations of 'A. geoffroyi' as A. peruana lasiopyga, and to their South American counterparts as A. p. peruana. The range of the latter subspecies reaches northeastern Venezuela. The Andes from southern Colombia to northern Peru appear to be the ancestral range of the genus.