Temporal trends in global reptile species descriptions over three decades DOI
Jhonny J. M. Guedes,

Hidalgo Valentim Gomes de Lima,

Lucas Rosado Mendonça

et al.

Systematics and Biodiversity, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 22(1)

Published: Nov. 28, 2024

Despite the urgency imposed by current biodiversity crisis, many species remain undescribed, facing extinction before their formal recognition science. Accelerating descriptions is thus imperative. However, should be robust and based on good taxonomic practice, which may enhance long-term nomenclatural stability that crucial for scientific research conservation planning. Yet, few studies have assessed robustness of description. Here, we evaluated temporal trends in nearly 4,000 squamate reptiles spanning more than three decades (from 1990 to 2023). We observed an average increase about 115% number lines evidence used descriptions, such as pholidosis, morphometrics, genes sequenced molecular analysis. Type-series size decreased half lizards but remained roughly constant snakes, while page length dedicated showed upward trajectory both taxa, increasing 42.7% over time. Furthermore, our study highlights positive correlation between (i.e. measured provided, type-series size, pages) reviews, well impact collaborative efforts, with authors associated greater pages. Overall, become thorough recent decades. The proportion included analysis has grown time, all described annually years having data. hundreds new reptile being annually, potential invalidation future jeopardise efforts. Therefore, thorough, accurate are important addressing crisis providing reliable data analyses

Language: Английский

Genomic insights into the mechanisms of body size evolution in Serpentes DOI Creative Commons
Tian Xia, Shengyang Zhou, Zhihao Zhang

et al.

BMC Genomics, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 26(1)

Published: April 29, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Whole snake genomes from eighteen families of snakes (Serpentes: Caenophidia) and their applications to systematics DOI
Jackson R. Roberts, Justin M. Bernstein, Christopher C. Austin

et al.

Journal of Heredity, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 115(5), P. 487 - 497

Published: May 9, 2024

We present genome assemblies for 18 snake species representing families (Serpentes: Caenophidia): Acrochordus granulatus, Aparallactus werneri, Boaedon fuliginosus, Calamaria suluensis, Cerberus rynchops, Grayia smithii, Imantodes cenchoa, Mimophis mahfalensis, Oxyrhabdium leporinum, Pareas carinatus, Psammodynastes pulverulentus, Pseudoxenodon macrops, Pseudoxyrhopus heterurus, Sibynophis collaris, Stegonotus admiraltiensis, Toxicocalamus goodenoughensis, Trimeresurus albolabris, and Tropidonophis doriae. From these new assemblies, we extracted thousands of loci commonly used in systematic phylogenomic studies on snakes, including target-capture datasets composed ultraconserved elements (UCEs) anchored hybrid enriched (AHEs), as well traditional Sanger loci. Phylogenies inferred from the two were identical with each other strongly congruent previously published phylogenies. To show additional utility non-model genomes investigative evolutionary research, mined New Guinea island endemics our dataset (S. admiraltiensis T. doriae) ATP1a3 gene, a thoroughly researched indicator resistance to toad toxin ingestion by squamates. find that both snakes possess genotype despite their endemism Guinea, region absent any toads until human-mediated introduction Cane Toads 1930s. These substitutions suggest same bufotoxin Australian congenerics (Stegonotus australis mairii) which forage invasive Toads. Herein, short-read high-coverage genomes, improving deficit available squamate associated voucher specimens.

Language: Английский

Citations

3
Reproductive and ecological adaptations to climate underpin the evolution of sociality in lizards DOI Creative Commons
Ben Halliwell, Emily O’Connor, Tobias Uller

et al.

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 3, 2024

Abstract Identifying the environmental factors associated with group living is important for understanding how social systems originate, persist and diversify. In endothermic birds mammals, in groups habitat constraints harsh climatic conditions. We use phylogenetic comparative analyses to test whether climate have played similar roles evolution of grouping a globally distributed clade ectothermic vertebrates, lizards (N species = 1696). Social was strongly cool, dry climates across lizard phylogeny. However, this signature arose indirectly, by association live birth (common cool climates) reliance on rock crevices climates), traits which increase parent-offspring associations reduce offspring dispersal. contrast, direct effects temperature were marginal restricted bearing species. Our results demonstrate that relationships between sociality may result from adaptations go promote emergence behaviour.

Language: Английский

Citations

2
Generation length of the world's amphibians and reptiles DOI Creative Commons
Giordano Mancini, Luca Santini, Victor Cazalis

et al.

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 24, 2024

Abstract Variation in life histories influences demographic processes from adaptive changes to population declines leading extinction. Among history traits, generation length offers a critical feature forecast species’ trajectories such as (widely used by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species) and adaptability environmental change over time. Therefore, estimates are crucial monitor stability or future highly threatened organisms, particularly ectothermic tetrapods (amphibians reptiles) – which rank among most groups but for uncertainty impacts remains high. Despite its importance, amphibians reptiles is largely missing. Here, we aimed fill-in this gap modeling lengths amphibians, squamates testudines function species size, climate, history, phylogeny using generalized additive models phylogenetic least squares. We obtained 4,543 (52%) 8,464 (72%) 118 (32%) testudines. Our performed well families, example Bufonidae Lacertidae Colubridae Geoemydidae testudines, while found high around prediction few notably Chamaeleonidae. Species’ body size mean temperature were main predictors all groups. Although our not meant substitute robust validated measurements field studies natural museums, they can help reduce existing biases conservation assessments until data will be comprehensively available.

Language: Английский

Citations

1
Microhabitat and adhesive toepads shape gecko limb morphology DOI Creative Commons
Anna Zimin, Sean V. Zimin, L. Lee Grismer

et al.

Integrative Zoology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: July 31, 2024

Abstract Different substrates pose varied biomechanical challenges that select specific morphologies, such as long limbs for faster running and short balanced posture while climbing narrow substrates. We tested how gecko locomotion is affected by the microhabitat they occupy a key adaptation—adhesive toepads—through analyzing those are related to limb morphology. collected toepads data over 90% of limbed species, measurements 403 species from 83 121 genera, which we then used in phylogenetic comparative analyses. Our highlight association adhesive with arboreality, but analysis shows this relationship not significant, suggesting these traits phylogenetically constrained. Comparative analyses reveal pad‐bearing possess shorter hindlimbs feet, more even lengths, lower crus: thigh ratios, than padless geckos, across microhabitats. Saxicolous geckos have longest segments. This probably influenced selection strides, increased takeoff velocity, static stability on inclined surfaces. Terrestrial hind‐ forelimbs arboreal unlike patterns found other lizards. findings underline difficulty infer microhabitat–morphology relationships one taxon another, given their differing ecologies evolutionary pathways. emphasize importance innovation traits, toepads, shaping morphology and, accordingly, within immediate environment.

Language: Английский

Citations

1
An inordinate abundance of snakes: Hundreds of Levantine Blindsnakes <i>Xerotyphlops syriacus</i> found following a flood DOI Creative Commons
Shai Meiri,

Aviad Bar,

Gaya Kopelis

et al.

Reptiles & Amphibians, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 31(1), P. e22195 - e22195

Published: Dec. 16, 2024

Among the attributes of scolecophidians no one has bothered to study are population sizes and densities.We aware only that tried quantify these factors; Rodda et al. (2001) estimated reptilian density on Guana Island, British Virgin Islands, using total-removal techniques in four 10 x 10-m plots.Among seven species they found were six Islands Blindsnakes (Antillotyphlops richardi; Typhlopidae), which two plots, resulting an 300 snakes/ha.They noted, however, their method "provided a reasonable estimate absolute for exceed about 500 ha-1" (p.333), implying probably did not place much confidence estimate.Bentz (2011) densities Union Island (Grenadines) Grenada Bank (Amerotyphlops tasymicris [as Typhlops tasymicris]; leaf litter transects, but wrote "We calculate or size T. because very low number sightings" (p.43).The largest numbers reported single studies we 74 Centralian (Anilios centralis; Typhlopidae) Schlesinger (2010) caught over years pitfalls at eight sites least 5 km apart, 121 Amaral's (Trilepida koppesi; Leptotyphlopidae) Khouri (2022: 72) collected "1,248 person-hours searches different vegetation types" course years.We herein tentatively treat Syrian Levantine Blindsnake as Xerotyphlops syriacus, poorly studied rest clade.Hoofien (1958) documented record, Perry (1985) discussed sexual dimorphism, Maza (2021) extra-limital record.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Prioritising Functionally Distinct and Globally Endangered (FuDGE) sharks for conservation action DOI Creative Commons
C. C. Webster, Joanna Barker, David J. Curnick

et al.

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: June 6, 2024

Abstract Robust species-level methods for quantifying ecological differences have yet to be incorporated into conservation strategies. Here, we describe a new approach measure the unique contribution of species overall functional diversity and incorporate it an actionable metric. The Functionally Distinct Globally Endangered (FuDGE) metric directs action whose extinction would result in significant losses irreplaceable diversity. We apply FuDGE world’s sharks compare with phylogeny-based Evolutionarily (EDGE) highlight shared divergent priorities conservation. Identifying threatened revealed that functionally distinct are disproportionately threatened, 17-24% extant shark trait space at risk extinction. show exploitation by humans threatens erode space, 70% risk. hope our will used guide face human impacts.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Maximum longevity of the Middle Eastern Short-fingered Gecko, <i>Stenodactylus doriae</i> (Blanford 1874) DOI Creative Commons
Shai Meiri

Reptiles & Amphibians, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 31(1), P. e22369 - e22369

Published: Aug. 26, 2024

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Co‐occurrence in snake and lizard sister species is unrelated to major ecomorphological traits DOI Creative Commons
A. Shinde, T. Jonathan Davies, Uri Roll

et al.

Journal of Zoology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Sept. 15, 2024

Abstract Environmental factors and interspecific interactions, such as competition facilitation, can shape species' geographic ranges. Here, we tested the relationship between range overlap of squamate sister species, their divergence in body size, diel activity, microhabitat use. Competition theory predicts that species with similar traits will less geographically than pairs dissimilar traits. However, distributions may present selective pressures favour adaptations, habitat filtering result more sympatry. Across 1434 contrasts, found little niche divergence. In some models, size use marginally increased sympatry, while other sympatric sisters had activity times. low R ‐squared values almost all these models lend only weak support to predictions from or theories. Sympatric within same biome showed times expected, lending filtering. Niche allopatry calculated using a multi‐trait dissimilarity index, did not show phylogenetic signal, niches different clades deviate significantly null expectation. Overall, convergence, across axes explored, is prerequisite for regional co‐occurrence. We suggest here lack consistent either limiting similarity reflect both forces act transient phenomena. More fine‐grained analyses, space time, would be needed detect fingerprints. Thus, coexistence face arise due various evolutionary biogeographic mechanisms, acting concurrently asynchronously.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Water uptake from air in a desert thread snake, Myriopholis macrorhyncha DOI
Shahar Dubiner, Shai Meiri, Eran Levin

et al.

Deleted Journal, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 97(6), P. 382 - 387

Published: Oct. 31, 2024

AbstractSquamates are adapted to thrive in extreme deserts thanks to, among other mechanisms, the water-conserving characteristics of their integument. Yet very small-bodied species, such as fossorial desert thread snake Myriopholis macrorhyncha (∼1 g), face challenges because high relative surface area entailing evaporative water loss. Fossorial snakes avoid dry periods by retreating underground, which can reach humidity even habitat M. macrorhyncha. We measured loss three individuals at 25°C and different ecologically relevant conditions. found low 70% (RH) compared air (near 0% RH). Interestingly, we apparent absorption 97% RH, confirmed both respirometry equivalent gains body mass following this treatment. This suggests an adaptation allowing acquire from atmosphere during its retreat subterranean burrows ant nests. Coupled with strategies, discontinuous gas exchange reduce respiratory loss, strategy could be crucial for survival arid environments where is scarce.

Language: Английский

Citations

0