Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Life Sciences

Theses and Dissertations

1973

Maryland; Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Articles 1 - 1 of 1

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Speciation In The Genus Sceloporus Sceloporus (Sauria, Iguanidae) As Determined By Cranial Osteology And Other Characters, Kenneth Rex Larsen May 1973

Speciation In The Genus Sceloporus Sceloporus (Sauria, Iguanidae) As Determined By Cranial Osteology And Other Characters, Kenneth Rex Larsen

Theses and Dissertations

Numerical statistical methods were used to analyse the species in the genus Sceloporus using cranial osteology, external meristic and numeric characters, karyology, display behavior and geographic distribution. A new phylogeny for the genus is proposed with three main branches or Groups: Group I, a primitive group, evolved from Uta, Urosaurus and Sator in Miocene times. This Group speciated from gadoviae in the south to merriami in the north and contains 7 species in 3 species groups. Group II arose from Group I and evolved from centrally located pictus in all directions throughout Mexico. It contains approximately 19 species in 5 …