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Cryptic diversity in vertebrates: molecular data double estimates of species diversity in a radiation of Australian lizards (Diplodactylus, Gekkota).


ABSTRACT: A major problem for biodiversity conservation and management is that a significant portion of species diversity remains undocumented (the 'taxonomic impediment'). This problem is widely acknowledged to be dire among invertebrates and in developing countries; here, we demonstrate that it can be acute even in conspicuous animals (reptiles) and in developed nations (Australia). A survey of mtDNA, allozyme and chromosomal variation in the Australian gecko, genus Diplodactylus, increases overall species diversity estimates from 13 to 29. Four nominal species each actually represent multi-species complexes; three of these species complexes are not even monophyletic. The high proportion of cryptic species discovered emphasizes the importance of continuing detailed assessments of species diversity, even in apparently well-known taxa from industrialized countries.

SUBMITTER: Oliver PM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2677245 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Cryptic diversity in vertebrates: molecular data double estimates of species diversity in a radiation of Australian lizards (Diplodactylus, Gekkota).

Oliver Paul M PM   Adams Mark M   Lee Michael S Y MS   Hutchinson Mark N MN   Doughty Paul P  

Proceedings. Biological sciences 20090304 1664


A major problem for biodiversity conservation and management is that a significant portion of species diversity remains undocumented (the 'taxonomic impediment'). This problem is widely acknowledged to be dire among invertebrates and in developing countries; here, we demonstrate that it can be acute even in conspicuous animals (reptiles) and in developed nations (Australia). A survey of mtDNA, allozyme and chromosomal variation in the Australian gecko, genus Diplodactylus, increases overall spec  ...[more]

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