Mammalia aequatorialis, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 7(1), P. 57 - 66
Published: Jan. 10, 2025
Thomasomys, primarily Andean cricetid rodents, represents the most speciose genus in subfamily Sigmodontinae, with 53 described species and estimates suggesting nearly 100. Its remarkable diversity contrasts taxonomic asymmetry of where genera have fewer than five species. While debates on splitting Thomasomys persist, its internal disparity—spanning morphology, genetics, ecology—challenges traditional definitions. Elevating groups to generic rank could reframe Thomasomyini as a genus-rich tribe, paralleling Phyllotini. This debate highlights broader questions about cohesion, biodiversity representation, integrity frameworks evolutionary biology.
Language: Английский