Jane Melville

A molecular phylogenetic study of ecological diversification in the Australian lizard genus Ctenophorus

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 2001

DOI: 10.1002/JEZ.1133

Abstract: We present phylogenetic analyses of the lizard genus Ctenophorus using 1,639 aligned positions of mitochondrial DNA sequences containing 799 parsimony-informative characters for s les of 22 species of Ctenophorus and 12 additional Australian agamid genera. Sequences from three protein-coding genes (ND1, ND2, and COI) and eight intervening tRNA genes are examined using both parsimony and maximum-likelihood analyses. Species of Ctenophorus form a monophyletic group with Rankinia adelaidensis, which we suggest placing in Ctenophorus. Ecological differentiation among species of Ctenophorus is most evident in the kinds of habitats used for shelter. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the ancestral condition is to use burrows for shelter, and that habits of sheltering in rocks and shrubs/hummock grasses represent separately derived conditions. Ctenophorus appears to have undergone extensive cladogenesis approximately 10-12 million years ago, with all three major ecological modes being established at that time.

Expression of a hindlimb-determining factorPitx1in the forelimb of the lizardPogona vitticepsduring morphogenesis

Publisher: The Royal Society

Date: 10-2016

DOI: 10.1098/RSOB.160252

Abstract: With over 9000 species, squamates, which include lizards and snakes, are the largest group of reptiles and second-largest order of vertebrates, spanning a vast array of appendicular skeletal morphology. As such, they provide a promising system for examining developmental and molecular processes underlying limb morphology. Using the central bearded dragon ( Pogona vitticeps ) as the primary study model, we examined limb morphometry throughout embryonic development and characterized the expression of three known developmental genes ( GHR, Pitx1 and Shh ) from early embryonic stage through to hatchling stage via reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). In this study, all genes were found to be transcribed in both the forelimbs and hindlimbs of P. vitticeps. While the highest level of GHR expression occurred at the hatchling stage, Pitx1 and Shh expression was greatest earlier during embryogenesis, which coincides with the onset of the differentiation between forelimb and hindlimb length. We compared our finding of Pitx1 expression—a hindlimb-determining gene—in the forelimbs of P. vitticeps to that in a closely related Australian agamid lizard, Ctenophorus pictus , where we found Pitx1 expression to be more highly expressed in the hindlimb compared with the forelimb during early and late morphogenesis—a result consistent with that found across other tetrapods. Expression of Pitx1 in forelimbs has only rarely been documented, including via in situ hybridization in a chicken and a frog. Our findings from both RT-qPCR and IHC indicate that further research across a wider range of tetrapods is needed to more fully understand evolutionary variation in molecular processes underlying limb morphology.

Diversity and phylogenetic relationships of haemosporidian and hemogregarine parasites in Australian lizards

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2022

DOI: 10.1016/J.YMPEV.2021.107358

Abstract: Apicomplexa is a large monophyletic phylum of unicellular, parasitic organisms. Reptiles are hosts to both haemosporidian (Haemosporida) and hemogregarine (Eucoccidiorida) apicomplexan blood parasites. Within reptiles our understanding of their ersity remains limited, with a paucity of information from Australia, despite a high ersity of squamates (snakes and lizards). We provide a preliminary assessment of haemosporidian and hemogregarine ersity occurring in lizards across northern tropical Australia, building on existing data with results from a microscopy and genetic assessment. We screened total of 233 blood slides using microscopy and detected hemogregarines in 25 geckos, 2 skinks and 1 agamid, while haemosporidians were detected in 13 geckos. DNA sequencing of 28 s les of the hemogregarine 18S rRNA (∼900 bp) nuclear gene revealed five lineages of Australian lizard hemogregarines within heteroxenous adeleids. We sequenced 10 s les of Haemosporida mtDNA (cytb & coI: ∼1313 bp) and phylogenetic analysis with 30 previously published sequences revealed that the Australian Haemosporida grouped within the Haemoproteidae but were not supported as a monophyletic clade. Our results demonstrate that there is significant undocumented evolutionary ersity in Australian lizard haemosporidian and hemogregarine parasites, with preliminary evidence of significantly higher infection rates in geckos.

A complex biogeographic history of diversification in Neotropical lancehead pitvipers (Serpentes, Viperidae)

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 12-12-2019

DOI: 10.1111/ZSC.12398

Assessing the impact of fire on spiders through a global comparative analysiss

Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Date: 21-12-2021

DOI: 10.1101/2021.12.20.472855

Abstract: In many regions fire regimes are changing due to anthropogenic factors. Understanding the responses of species to fire can help to develop predictive models and inform fire management decisions. Spiders are a erse and ubiquitous group and can offer important insights into the impacts of fire on invertebrates and whether these depend on environmental factors, phylogenetic history, or functional traits. We conducted phylogenetic comparative analyses of data from studies investigating the impacts of fire on spiders. We investigated whether fire affects spider abundance or presence and whether ecologically relevant traits or site-specific factors influence species’ responses to fire. Although difficult to make broad generalisations about the impacts of fire due to variation in site- and fire-specific factors, we find evidence that short fire intervals may be a threat to some spiders, and that fire affects abundance and species compositions in forests relative to other vegetation types. Orb and sheet web weavers were also more likely to be absent after fire than ambush hunters, ground hunters, and other hunters suggesting functional traits may affect responses. Finally, we show that analyses of published data can be used to detect broad scale patterns and provide an alternative to traditional meta-analytical approaches.

Revision of the Western Australian pebble-mimic dragon species-group (Tympanocryptis cephalus: Reptilia: Agamidae)

Publisher: Magnolia Press

Date: 03-11-2015

DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.4039.1.3

Abstract: Recent work on species complexes of the pebble-mimic dragons of the Australian genus Tympanocryptis has greatly clarified evolutionary relationships among taxa and also indicated that species ersity has been severely underestimated. Here we provide a morphological and molecular appraisal of variation in the T. cephalus species-group and find evidence for recognizing five species-level lineages from Western Australia. Four species-level lineages are strongly supported with a combined mitochondrial and nuclear DNA Bayesian analysis (a fifth population from the Gascoyne region lacked tissue s les). Morphologically, we found subtle, yet consistent, differences among the populations in scalation, color and pattern. True T. cephalus Günther is restricted to the coastal Pilbara region and characterized by five dark blotches on the dorsum, keeled ventrals, and other characters. Two other lineages within the Pilbara, from the Hamersley range and Fortescue/northern Pilbara region, differed from T. cephalus senso stricto by possessing a more elongate body and a plain dorsum. Furthermore, the Hamersley lineage differed from the Fortescue lineage by possessing slightly more reddish coloration and feeble keeling on the snout. Although there are few specimens and no tissue s les available for the Gascoyne population, these in iduals are larger, have rugose scales on the snout, and possess scattered enlarged tubercles with three large blotches on the dorsum. The name T. cephalus gigas Mitchell is available for this population. The most widespread lineage, and the one best represented in collections and in field guides, occurs throughout central Western Australia. These Goldfield populations are characterized by a protruding snout, narrow rostral, and uniform reddish-brown coloration, often with a dark wash. Based on the genetic and morphological differences, we redescribe T. cephalus, resurrect and elevate T. gigas to a full species and designate a neotype for this taxon, and describe three lineages as new species (T. diabolicus sp. nov., T. fortescuensis sp. nov., T. pseudopsephos sp. nov.).

Decline of a biome: evolution, contraction, fragmentation, extinction and invasion of the Australian mesic zone biota

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 26-05-2011

DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2699.2011.02535.X

Molecular phylogenetic evidence for ancient divergence of lizard taxa on either side of Wallace's Line

Publisher: The Royal Society

Date: 22-03-2003

DOI: 10.1098/RSPB.2002.2272

Taxonomy and conservation of grassland earless dragons: new species and an assessment of the first possible extinction of a reptile on mainland Australia

Publisher: The Royal Society

Date: 05-2019

DOI: 10.1098/RSOS.190233

Abstract: Taxonomic research is of fundamental importance in conservation management of threatened species, providing an understanding of species ersity on which management plans are based. The grassland earless dragon lizards (Agamidae: Tympanocryptis ) of southeastern Australia have long been of conservation concern but there have been ongoing taxonomic uncertainties. We provide a comprehensive taxonomic review of this group, integrating multiple lines of evidence, including phylogeography (mtDNA), phylogenomics (SNPs), external morphology and micro X-ray CT scans. Based on these data we assign the lectotype of T. lineata to the Canberra region, restrict the distribution of T. pinguicolla to Victoria and name two new species: T. osbornei sp. nov. (Cooma) and T. mccartneyi sp. nov. (Bathurst). Our results have significant conservation implications. Of particular concern is T. pinguicolla , with the last confident sighting in 1969, raising the possibility of the first extinction of a reptile on mainland Australia. However, our results are equivocal as to whether T. pinguicolla is extant or extinct, emphasizing the immediate imperative for continued surveys to locate any remaining populations of T. pinguicolla . We also highlight the need for a full revision of conservation management plans for all the grassland earless dragons.

Assessing the impact of fire on spiders through a global comparative analysis

Publisher: The Royal Society

Date: 26-04-2023

DOI: 10.1098/RSPB.2023.0089

Abstract: In many regions fire regimes are changing due to anthropogenic factors. Understanding the responses of species to fire can help to develop predictive models and inform fire management decisions. Spiders are a erse and ubiquitous group and can offer important insights into the impacts of fire on invertebrates and whether these depend on environmental factors, phylogenetic history or functional traits. We conducted phylogenetic comparative analyses of data from studies investigating the impacts of fire on spiders. We investigated whether fire affects spider abundance or presence and whether ecologically relevant traits or site-specific factors influence species’ responses to fire. Although difficult to make broad generalizations about the impacts of fire due to variation in site- and fire-specific factors, we find evidence that short fire intervals may be a threat to some spiders, and that fire affects abundance and species compositions in forests relative to other vegetation types. Orb and sheet web weavers were also more likely to be absent after fire than ambush hunters, ground hunters and other hunters suggesting functional traits may affect responses. Finally, we show that analyses of published data can be used to detect broad-scale patterns and provide an alternative to traditional meta-analytical approaches.

Diversification patterns of pebble-mimic dragons are consistent with historical disruption of important habitat corridors in arid Australia

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2008

DOI: 10.1016/J.YMPEV.2008.03.022

Abstract: The pebble-mimic dragon lineage of Tympanocryptis is widely distributed in the stony, or 'gibber', deserts of Australia but is noticeably absent from intersecting areas of sand deserts. Past fluctuations in the extent and configuration of sandy desert habitat barriers are likely to have been an import factor promoting genetic differentiation in this group. We sequenced a approximately 1400bp region of mitochondrial DNA and a approximately 1400bp nuclear gene (RAG-1) to investigate phylogeographic structuring of species of pebble-mimic dragons. Our topology indicates an early split in this lineage between eastern and western parts of the arid zone that probably dates to the mid-Miocene. This split corresponds directly with large expanses of contemporary sandy habitat in the form of Great Sandy and Great Victoria Deserts. Our data indicate that this biogeographic barrier established very early on in the development of the arid zone and has persisted to present. Additional genetic structuring in the absence of recognized barriers suggests that an expanded view of potential habitat barriers in the arid zone is required.

Integrating phylogeography and high-resolution X-ray CT reveals five new cryptic species and multiple hybrid zones among Australian earless dragons

Publisher: The Royal Society

Date: 12-2019

DOI: 10.1098/RSOS.191166

Abstract: Cryptic lineages, comprising species complexes with deep genetic structuring across the landscape but without distinct morphological differences, impose substantial difficulties for systematists and taxonomists in determining true species ersity. Here, we present an integrative approach that combines data from phylogeography and geometric morphometric analyses of three-dimensional cranial models to revisit the uncertain taxonomy of earless dragons from southern and central Australia that at one time or another have been included under the name Tympanocryptis lineata . Our approach finds strong support for seven previously described species, and more importantly, five undescribed Tympanocryptis taxa for which we provide a taxonomic treatment. We also find evidence of introgression and hybridization in three discrete contact zones between lineages, supported by mitochondrial and nuclear genes, as well as morphological analyses. With a s ling design that includes at least five in iduals for each genetic lineage with corresponding X-ray microcomputed tomography scans, we perform comparative evolutionary analyses to show that there is a significant phylogenetic signal in Tympanocryptis cranial shape. Our results demonstrate the importance of using multiple specimens in each genetic lineage, particularly in cases of potential hybridization, and that geometric morphometrics, when used in an integrative framework, is a powerful tool in species delimitation across cryptic lineages. Our results lay the groundwork for future evolutionary studies in this widespread group across multiple environmental types and identify several species of immediate conservation concern with a focus on T. petersi sp. nov. We suggest that this species has undergone significant population declines and warrants a full conservation assessment.

The role of integrative taxonomy in the conservation management of cryptic species: The taxonomic status of endangered earless dragons (agamidae: Tympanocryptis) in the grasslands of Queensland, Australia

Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Date: 30-07-2014

DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0101847

Opening a box of cryptic taxa - the first review of the North African desert lizards in the trapelus mutabilis Merrem, 1820 complex (Squamata: Agamidae) with descriptions of new taxa

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 25-10-2011

DOI: 10.1111/J.1096-3642.2011.00726.X

Genetic structure and diversity of the endangered growling grass frog in a rapidly urbanizing region

Publisher: The Royal Society

Date: 08-2015

DOI: 10.1098/RSOS.140255

Abstract: Two pervasive and fundamental impacts of urbanization are the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. From a genetic perspective, these impacts manifest as reduced genetic ersity and ultimately reduced genetic viability. The growling grass frog ( Litoria raniformis ) is listed as vulnerable to extinction in Australia, and endangered in the state of Victoria. Remaining populations of this species in and around the city of Melbourne are threatened by habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation due to urban expansion. We used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellites to study the genetic structure and ersity of L. raniformis across Melbourne's urban fringe, and also screened four nuclear gene regions (POMC, RAG-1, Rhod and CRYBA1). The mtDNA and nuclear DNA sequences revealed low levels of genetic ersity throughout remnant populations of L. raniformis . However, one of the four regions studied, Cardinia, exhibited relatively high genetic ersity and several unique haplotypes, suggesting this region should be recognized as a separate Management Unit. We discuss the implications of these results for the conservation of L. raniformis in urbanizing landscapes, particularly the potential risks and benefits of translocation, which remains a contentious management approach for this species.

Ant diversity in relation to time since fire in a mallee landscape of South‐Eastern Australia

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 06-04-2023

DOI: 10.1111/AEC.13308

Abstract: Fire is a dominant process shaping the Australian landscape and in many regions the frequency and severity of wildfires are predicted to increase under climate change. The primary impact of fire on fauna is typically indirect through habitat change. In particular, in mesic forests different animal species are favoured at different times since fire as habitat complexity increases with vegetation recovery. However, this will not necessarily be the case in habitats with low complexity such as many of those occurring in arid and semi‐arid regions. Here, we investigate the relationship between fire history and ant ersity and composition in semi‐arid mallee of south‐eastern Australia. We surveyed ants at 11 sites in the Little Desert National Park and nearby private land that last burnt 0.5, 6 or 40 years ago. We found no relationship between time since fire and either ant ersity or composition, and this can be explained by a lack of relationship between time since fire and vegetation cover. Our findings contrast with those for mallee bird species, which show clear successional patterns following fire, but are likely to be typical of ground‐foraging fauna that lack specialized habitat requirements.

Lineage diversity within a widespread endemic Australian skink to better inform conservation in response to regional‐scale disturbance

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 03-2022

DOI: 10.1002/ECE3.8627

Abstract: Much attention is paid in conservation planning to the concept of a species, to ensure comparability across studies and regions when classifying taxa against criteria of endangerment and setting priorities for action. However, various jurisdictions now allow taxonomic ranks below the level of species and nontaxonomic intraspecific isions to be factored into conservation planning—subspecies, key populations, evolutionarily significant units, or designatable units. Understanding patterns of genetic ersity and its distribution across the landscape is a key component in the identification of species boundaries and determination of substantial geographic structure within species. A total of 12,532 reliable polymorphic SNP loci were generated from 63 populations (286 in iduals) covering the distribution of the Australian eastern three‐lined skink, Bassiana duperreyi , to assess genetic population structure in the form of diagnosable lineages and their distribution across the landscape, with particular reference to the recent catastrophic bushfires of eastern Australia. Five well‐supported diagnosable operational taxonomic units (OTUs) existed within B . duperreyi . Low levels of ergence of B . duperreyi between mainland Australia and Tasmania (no fixed allelic differences) support the notion of episodic exchange of alleles across Bass Strait ( ca 60 m, 25 Kya) during periods of low sea level during the Upper Pleistocene rather than the much longer period of isolation (1.7 My) indicated by earlier studies using mitochondrial sequence variation. Our study provides foundational work for the detailed taxonomic re‐evaluation of this species complex and the need for bio ersity assessment to include an examination of cryptic species and/or cryptic ersity below the level of species. Such information on lineage ersity within species and its distribution in the context of disturbance at a regional scale can be factored into conservation planning regardless of whether a decision is made to formally diagnose new species taxonomically and nomenclaturally.

The Role of Geography and Ecological Opportunity in the Diversification of Day Geckos (Phelsuma)

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 08-2008

DOI: 10.1080/10635150802304779

Abstract: We examine the effects of ecological opportunity and geographic area on rates of species accumulation and morphological evolution following archipelago colonization in day geckos (genus Phelsuma) in the Indian Ocean. Using a newly generated molecular phylogeny for the genus, we present evidence that these geckos likely originated on Madagascar, whereas colonization of three archipelagos in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles, Mascarene, and Comoros Islands has produced three independent monophyletic radiations. We find that rates of species accumulation are not elevated following colonization but are roughly equivalent on all three isolated archipelagos and on the larger island of Madagascar. However, rates of species accumulation have slowed through time on Madagascar. Rates of morphological evolution are higher in both the Mascarene and Seychelles archipelagos compared to rates on Madagascar. This negative relationship between rate of morphological evolution and island area suggests that ecological opportunity is an important factor in ersification of day gecko species.

Conservation genetics of eastern Australian herpetofauna in a rapidly changing landscape: a perspective on conservation management and policy implementation

Publisher: CSIRO Publishing

Date: 2018

DOI: 10.1071/PC18017

Abstract: Over the last 200 years Australia has seen wide-scale habitat losses and land-clearing but in the last two decades the rate of loss has been accelerating dramatically, with intensification of land clearing and unprecedented urban growth around most of our major cities. It is within this framework of such rapid change that I have been undertaking conservation genetic research of lizards and frogs over the last 15 years. Here I reflect on the impacts of two rapidly changing landscapes that I have documented through my research. First, the profound impact of land clearing and shifting agricultural practices from mixed-cropping farms to vast broadacre monocultures on the grassland earless dragons of the Condamine River floodplains in south-eastern Queensland. Second, the rapid expansion of the Melbourne urban growth boundaries and how planning processes can impact the future survival of lizard and frog species within an urban environment. Both these cases highlight the impacts of rapid landscape change and emphasise the need for appropriate regulation and planning. Recommendations to slow the detrimental decline and potential extinction of these species include tighter land-clearing regulations and compliance monitoring, plus funding and integration of high-quality research into planning policy at early strategic stages. However, it is also vital that as conservation researchers we effectively communicate to the wider community our knowledge of the impacts that these landscape changes are having on our native flora and fauna.

Spatio-temporal changes in the structure of an australian frog hybrid zone: A 40-year perspective

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 07-06-2013

DOI: 10.1111/EVO.12140

Abstract: Spatio-temporal studies of hybrid zones provide an opportunity to test evolutionary hypotheses of hybrid zone maintenance and movement. We conducted a landscape genetics study on a classic hybrid zone of the south-eastern Australian frogs, Litoria ewingii and Litoria paraewingi. This hybrid zone has been comprehensively studied since the 1960s, providing the unique opportunity to directly assess changes in hybrid zone structure across time. We compared both mtDNA and male advertisement call data from two time periods (present and 1960s). Clinal analysis of the coincidence (same center) and concordance (same width) of these traits indicated that the center of the hybrid zone has shifted 1 km south over the last 40 years, although the width of the zone and the rate of introgression remained unchanged. The low frequency of hybrids, the strong concordance of clines within a time period, and the small but significant movement across the study period despite significant anthropogenic changes through the region, suggest the hybrid zone is a tension zone located within a low-density trough. Hybrid zone movement has not been considered common in the past but our findings highlight that it should be considered a crucial component to our understanding of evolution.

Ecological Divergence, Adaptive Diversification, and the Evolution of Social Signaling Traits: An Empirical Study in Arid Australian Lizards

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Date: 12-2015

DOI: 10.1086/683658

Abstract: Species ersification often results from ergent evolution of ecological or social signaling traits. Theoretically, a combination of the two may promote speciation, however, empirical ex les studying how social signal and ecological ergence might be involved in ersification are rare in general and typically do not consider range overlap as a contributing factor. We show that ecologically distinct lineages within the Australian sand dragon species complex (including Ctenophorus maculatus, Ctenophorus fordi, and Ctenophorus femoralis) have ersified recently, erging in ecologically relevant and social signaling phenotypic traits as arid habitats expanded and differentiated. Diversification has resulted in repeated and independent invasion of distinct habitat types, driving convergent evolution of similar phenotypes. Our results suggest that parapatry facilitates ersification in visual signals through reinforcement as a hybridization-avoidance mechanism. We show that particularly striking variation in visual social signaling traits is better explained by the extent of lineage parapatry relative to ecological or phylogenetic ergence, suggesting that these traits reinforce ergence among lineages initiated by ecologically adaptive evolution. This study provides a rare empirical ex le of a repeated, intricate relationship between ecological and social signal evolution during ersification driven by ecological ergence and the evolution of new habitats, thereby supporting emergent theories regarding the importance of both ecological and social trait evolution throughout speciation.

New data from basal Australian songbird lineages show that complex structure of MHC class II β genes has early evolutionary origins within passerines

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 21-05-2016

DOI: 10.1186/S12862-016-0681-5

Mountain barriers and river conduits: Phylogeographical structure in a large, mobile lizard (Varanidae: Varanus varius) from eastern Australia

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 31-05-2013

DOI: 10.1111/JBI.12128

Lead exposure of mainland Australia's top avian predator

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2023

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2023.122004

Phylogenetic relationships of the heath dragons (Rankinia adelaidensis and R. parviceps) from the south-western Australian biodiversity hotspot

Publisher: CSIRO Publishing

Date: 2008

DOI: 10.1071/ZO07069

Abstract: Although the south-western Australian region is recognised as a global bio ersity hotspot, there are still significant gaps in our understanding of the bio ersity of this region. We present a phylogenetic study of the heath dragons (Rankinia adelaidensis and R. parviceps) from this region, incorporating a 1612-bp section of mtDNA and two nuclear introns, Gapdh (~244 bp) and Enol (~330 bp). In addition, we present a generic-level analysis of three gene regions (mtDNA, Gapdh, BDNF), which provides clear evidence that Rankinia adelaidensis and R. parviceps are not closely related to Rankinia diemensis from eastern Australia. Instead, the heath dragons are strongly supported as forming a clade with the genus Ctenophorus. In addition, we find that there are significant levels of haplotype ergence between currently recognised subspecies of the heath dragons (R. a. adelaidensis, R. a. chapmani, R. p. parviceps, R. p. butleri). We suggest that the genetic ergences between subspecies result from geographic isolation in allopatry owing to habitat preferences, followed by drift and/or selection. On the basis of these deep ergences and consistent morphological differences between subspecies, we recommend elevating all taxa to full species, and provide a taxonomic revision of the genera Rankinia and Ctenophorus.

Phylogeographic evidence links the threatened ‘Grampians’ Mountain Dragon (Rankinia diemensis Grampians) with Tasmanian populations: conservation implications in south-eastern Australia

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 07-11-2014

DOI: 10.1007/S10592-013-0544-1

Human-induced versus historical habitat shifts: Identifying the processes that shaped the genetic structure of the threatened grassland legless lizard, Delma impar

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 04-07-2012

DOI: 10.1007/S10592-012-0377-3

Birth of a biome: insights into the assembly and maintenance of the Australian arid zone biota

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 10-2008

DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-294X.2008.03899.X

Phylogenetic evidence of historic mitochondrial introgression and cryptic diversity in the genus Pseudemoia (Squamata: Scincidae)

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2014

DOI: 10.1016/J.YMPEV.2014.09.006

Abstract: The Australian scincid genus Pseudemoia comprises six morphologically similar species restricted to temperate south-eastern Australia. Due to the high degree of morphological conservatism, phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic status within the Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii complex (comprising the nominal species P. entrecasteauxii, P. cryodroma, and P. pagenstecheri) remains unresolved. To further investigate the phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic status of Pseudemoia spp., and to test the hypothesis that P. cryodroma evolved from hybridization between P. entrecasteauxii and P. pagenstecheri, we sequenced one mitochondrial locus (ND4) and five nuclear loci (β-globin, LGMN, PRLR, Rhodopsin, RPS8). While we find strong support for the monophyly of the P. entrecasteauxii complex, there exists marked incongruence between the mitochondrial and nuclear markers, particularly in regards to the high altitude specialist, P. cryodroma. The most parsimonious explanation of this discordance is historic mitochondrial introgression, although a hybrid origin for P. cryodroma cannot be completely rejected. Within P. pagenstecheri sensu lato, we identified a strongly supported, highly ergent yet morphologically cryptic lineage restricted to northern New South Wales. Although more weakly supported by the nuDNA, we also identified a second geographically distinct lineage of P. pagenstecheri s.l., which may warrant separate conservation management. Our study reveals a more complex evolutionary history of the genus Pseudemoia than previously appreciated and contributes to our understanding of the biogeography and evolution of Australian mesic zone fauna.

Length variation in the N-terminal domain of the recombination-activating gene 1 (RAG1) across squamates

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2009

DOI: 10.1016/J.YMPEV.2008.12.027

Competition and character displacement in two species of scincid lizards

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 05-2002

DOI: 10.1046/J.1461-0248.2002.00328.X

Prevalence and diversity of avian haematozoa in three species of australian passerine

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 12-2013

DOI: 10.1071/MU13012

Evolutionary correlations between microhabitat specialisation and locomotor capabilities in the lizard genus Niveoscincus

Publisher: CSIRO Publishing

Date: 2007

DOI: 10.1071/ZO08035

Abstract: The evolutionary consequences of generalised versus specialised habit is a central issue in organismal biology. Theory predicts that specialist species may have greater capabilities than generalist species in particular habitats but will not be able to maintain this excellence across a broad range of habitats. The evolutionary consequences of ecological specialisation, in terms of functional capabilities, were investigated in the lizard genus Niveoscincus from Tasmania. Breadth of microhabitat occupation and ecologically relevant locomotor capabilities were quantified across the genus. Laboratory performance trials demonstrated that some species excelled in just a few of the five performance traits measured, while other species performed well at all traits but did not excel at any. Results of comparative analyses demonstrate that there is a significant evolutionary correlation between microhabitat breadth and range of locomotor capabilities. These results provide convincing evidence that habitat specialists have a correspondingly limited range of locomotor capabilities.

Identifying hybridization and admixture using SNPs: application of the DArTseq platform in phylogeographic research on vertebrates

Publisher: The Royal Society

Date: 07-2017

DOI: 10.1098/RSOS.161061

Abstract: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches are increasingly being used to generate multi-locus data for phylogeographic and evolutionary genetics research. We detail the applicability of a restriction enzyme-mediated genome complexity reduction approach with subsequent NGS (DArTseq) in vertebrate study systems at different evolutionary and geographical scales. We present two case studies using SNP data from the DArTseq molecular marker platform. First, we used DArTseq in a large phylogeographic study of the agamid lizard Ctenophorus caudicinctus , including 91 in iduals and spanning the geographical range of this species across arid Australia. A low-density DArTseq assay resulted in 28 960 SNPs, with low density referring to a comparably reduced set of identified and sequenced markers as a cost-effective approach. Second, we applied this approach to an evolutionary genetics study of a classic frog hybrid zone ( Litoria ewingii–Litoria paraewingi ) across 93 in iduals, which resulted in 48 117 and 67 060 SNPs for a low- and high-density assay, respectively. We provide a docker-based workflow to facilitate data preparation and analysis, then analyse SNP data using multiple methods including Bayesian model-based clustering and conditional likelihood approaches. Based on comparison of results from the DArTseq platform and traditional molecular approaches, we conclude that DArTseq can be used successfully in vertebrates and will be of particular interest to researchers working at the interface between population genetics and phylogenetics, exploring species boundaries, gene exchange and hybridization.

An Integrative Approach Using Phylogenomics and High-Resolution X-Ray Computed Tomography for Species Delimitation in Cryptic Taxa

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 05-09-2019

DOI: 10.1093/SYSBIO/SYZ048

Abstract: Morphologically cryptic taxa have proved to be a long-standing challenge for taxonomists. Lineages that show strong genomic structuring across the landscape but are phenotypically similar pose a conundrum, with traditional morphological analyses of these cryptic lineages struggling to keep up with species delimitation advances. Micro X-ray computed tomography (CT) combined with geometric morphometric analyses provides a promising avenue for identification of morphologically cryptic taxa, given its ability to detect subtle differences in anatomical structures. However, this approach has yet to be used in combination with genomic data in a comparative analytical framework to distinguish cryptic taxa. We present an integrative approach incorporating genomic and geometric morphometric evidence to assess the species delimitation of grassland earless dragons (Tympanocryptis spp.) in north-eastern Australia. Using mitochondrial and nuclear genes (ND2 and RAG1, respectively), along with $ $8500 SNPs (nuclear single nucleotide polymorphisms), we assess the evolutionary independence of target lineages and several closely related species. We then integrate phylogenomic data with osteological cranial variation between lineages using landmark-based analyses of three-dimensional CT models. High levels of genomic differentiation between the three target lineages were uncovered, also supported by significant osteological differences. By incorporating multiple lines of evidence, we provide strong support for three undescribed cryptic lineages of Tympanocryptis in north-eastern Australia that warrant taxonomic review. Our approach demonstrates the successful application of CT with integrative taxonomic approaches for cryptic species delimitation, which is broadly applicable across vertebrates containing morphologically similar yet genetically distinct lineages. Additionally, we provide a review of recent integrative taxonomic approaches for cryptic species delimitation and an assessment of how our approach can value-add to taxonomic research.

A molecular study of phylogenetic relationships and evolution of antipredator strategies in Australian Diplodactylus geckos, subgenus Strophurus

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 22-04-2004

DOI: 10.1111/J.1095-8312.2004.00324.X

Reptiles on the brink: identifying the Australian terrestrial snake and lizard species most at risk of extinction

Publisher: CSIRO Publishing

Date: 2021

DOI: 10.1071/PC20033

Abstract: Australia hosts approximately 10% of the world’s reptile species, the largest number of any country. Despite this and evidence of widespread decline, the first comprehensive assessment of the conservation status of Australian terrestrial squamates (snakes and lizards) was undertaken only recently. Here we apply structured expert elicitation to the 60 species assessed to be in the highest IUCN threat categories to estimate their probability of extinction by 2040. We also assessed the probability of successful reintroduction for two Extinct in the Wild (EW) Christmas Island species with trial reintroductions underway. Collation and analysis of expert opinion indicated that six species are at high risk (& %) of becoming extinct within the next 20 years, and up to 11 species could be lost within this timeframe unless management improves. The consensus among experts was that neither of the EW species were likely to persist outside of small fenced areas without a significant increase in resources for intense threat management. The 20 most imperilled species are all restricted in range, with three occurring only on islands. The others are endemic to a single state, with 55% occurring in Queensland. Invasive species (notably weeds and introduced predators) were the most prevalent threats, followed by agriculture, natural system modifications (primarily fire) and climate change. Increased resourcing and management intervention are urgently needed to avert the impending extinction of Australia’s imperilled terrestrial reptiles.

Intercontinental community convergence of ecology and morphology in desert lizards.

Publisher: The Royal Society

Date: 06-12-2006

DOI: 10.1098/RSPB.2005.3328

Abstract: Evolutionary ecologists have long debated the extent to which communities in similar environments but different geographic regions exhibit convergence. On the one hand, if species' adaptations and community structure are determined by environmental features, convergence would be expected. However, if historical contingencies have long-lasting effects convergence would be unlikely. Most studies to date have emphasized the differences between communities in similar environments and little quantitative evidence for convergence exists. The application of comparative phylogenetic methods to ecological studies provides an opportunity to further investigate hypotheses of convergence. We compared the evolutionary patterns of structural ecology and morphology of 42 species of iguanian lizards from deserts of Australia and North America. Using a comparative approach, we found that evolutionary convergence of ecology and morphology occurs both in overall, community-wide patterns and in terms of pairs of highly similar intercontinental pairs of species. This result indicates that in these desert lizards, deterministic adaptive evolution shapes community patterns and overrides the historical contingencies unique to particular lineages.

Evolutionary correlations between escape behaviour and performance ability in eight species of snow skinks (Niveoscincus: Lygosominae) from Tasmania

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 09-2003

DOI: 10.1017/S0952836903003984

Concordance in phylogeography and ecological niche modelling identify dispersal corridors for reptiles in arid Australia

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 10-06-2016

DOI: 10.1111/JBI.12739

Evolutionary origins and diversification of dragon lizards in Australia’s tropical savannas

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2011

DOI: 10.1016/J.YMPEV.2010.11.025

Incorporating historical museum specimens into molecular systematic and conservation genetics research

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 20-07-2006

DOI: 10.1111/J.1471-8286.2006.01443.X

Molecular patterns of introgression in a classic hybrid zone between the Australian tree frogs, Litoria ewingii and L. paraewingi: Evidence of a tension zone

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 07-01-2013

DOI: 10.1111/MEC.12176

Abstract: Hybrid zones provide a rare opportunity to explore the processes involved in reproductive isolation and speciation. The southern hybrid zone between the southeastern Australian tree frogs Litoria ewingii and L. paraewingi has been comprehensively studied over the last 40 years, primarily using reproductive compatibility experiments and male advertisement calls. We used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and eight nuclear microsatellite markers to characterize this hybrid zone along a historically studied transect and to test various dispersal-dependent and dispersal-independent hybrid zone models. The species are genetically distinct and the level of hybridization within the contact zone is low, with the majority of admixed in iduals representing later-generation hybrids. Based on previous experimental genetic compatibility studies, we predicted that hybrids with L. paraewingi mtDNA would be more frequent than hybrids with L. ewingii mtDNA. Surprisingly, a greater proportion of the identified hybrids had L. ewingii mtDNA. Geographical cline analyses showed a sharp transition in allele frequencies across the transect, and both the mtDNA and microsatellite data showed concordant cline centres, but were best supported by a model that allowed width to vary. Overall, the L. ewingii-L. paraewingi hybrid zone is best characterized as a tension zone, due to the narrow cline width, concordant genetic clines and low levels of hybridization.

Structure and fragmentation of growling grass frog metapopulations

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 23-11-2012

DOI: 10.1007/S10592-012-0428-9

Extensive Phylogeographic and Morphological Diversity in Diporiphora nobbi (Agamidae) Leads to a Taxonomic Review and a New Species Description

Publisher: Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles

Date: 12-2011

DOI: 10.1670/10-115.1

Predictors of phylogeographic structure among codistributed taxa across the complex Australian monsoonal tropics

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 20-07-2021

DOI: 10.1111/MEC.16057

Abstract: Differences in the geographic scale and depth of phylogeographic structure across codistributed taxa can reveal how microevolutionary processes such as population isolation and persistence drive ersification. In turn, environmental heterogeneity, species’ traits, and historical biogeographic barriers may influence the potential for isolation and persistence. Using extensive SNP data and a combination of population genetic summary statistics and landscape genomic analyses, we explored predictors of the scale and depth of phylogeographic structure in codistributed lizard taxa from the topographically and climatically complex monsoonal tropics (AMT) of Australia. We first resolved intraspecific lineages and then tested whether genetic ergence across space within lineages is related to isolation by distance, resistance and/or environment and whether these factors differ across genera or between rock‐related versus habitat generalist taxa. We then tested whether microevolutionary processes within lineages explain differences in the geographic scale and depth of intraspecific phylogeographic lineages. The results indicated that landscape predictors of phylogeographic structure differ between taxa. Within lineages, there was prevalent isolation by distance, but the strength of isolation by distance is independent of the taxonomic family, habitat specialization, and climate. Isolation by environment is the strongest predictor of landscape‐scale genetic ergence for all taxa, with both temperature and precipitation acting as limiting factors. The strength of isolation by distance does not predict the geographic scale of the phylogeographic structure. However, more localized lineages had higher mean in idual heterozygosity and less negative Tajima's D. This result implies that finer‐scale phylogeographic structuring within species is associated with larger and more stable populations and, hence, persistence.

Polymorphic microsatellite markers in the painted dragon lizard, Ctenophorus pictus

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 21-12-2006

DOI: 10.1111/J.1471-8286.2005.01190.X

Historical biogeography, phylogenetic relationships and intraspecific diversity of agamid lizards in the Central Asian deserts of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2009

DOI: 10.1016/J.YMPEV.2009.05.011

Abstract: The Central Asian agamid lizards are ecologically and morphologically erse, occurring across a broad range of desert environments in this biogeographically important region. It is probable that past climatic shifts have significantly influenced the ersification patterns and distributions of the agamid lizards of this region. To assess this within a phylogenetic framework we sequenced a approximately 1200 bp region of mitochondrial DNA and a approximately 1200 bp nuclear gene (RAG-1), incorporating both inter- and intraspecific s ling across Central Asian agamids. Our topology and ergence time estimates support an Eocene origin of the Agaminae subfamily on the Indian subcontinent, coinciding with the collision of India into Eurasia. The onset of aridification in Central Asia during the Late Oligocene, resulting from the retreat of the Paratethys Sea and the intensified uplift of the Tibetan-Himalayan complex, probably played an important role in the ersification of Phrynocephalus, one of the three genera studied. Intensification of aridity and geologic events in the Plio-Pleistocene and Quaternary glacial cycling probably had a significant influence on intraspecific ersification patterns within Phrynocephalus.

Geographic and taxonomic patterns of extinction risk in Australian squamates

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2019

DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOCON.2019.108203

Genetic erosion and escalating extinction risk in frogs with increasing wildfire frequency

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 15-11-2016

DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12809

A comparative study of cell growth on a cold sprayed Ti–Ta composite

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 06-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.JALLCOM.2020.154014

A return-on-investment approach for prioritization of rigorous taxonomic research needed to inform responses to the biodiversity crisis

Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Date: 06-2021

DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PBIO.3001210

Abstract: Global bio ersity loss is a profound consequence of human activity. Disturbingly, bio ersity loss is greater than realized because of the unknown number of undocumented species. Conservation fundamentally relies on taxonomic recognition of species, but only a fraction of bio ersity is described. Here, we provide a new quantitative approach for prioritizing rigorous taxonomic research for conservation. We implement this approach in a highly erse vertebrate group—Australian lizards and snakes. Of 870 species assessed, we identified 282 (32.4%) with taxonomic uncertainty, of which 17.6% likely comprise undescribed species of conservation concern. We identify 24 species in need of immediate taxonomic attention to facilitate conservation. Using a broadly applicable return-on-investment framework, we demonstrate the importance of prioritizing the fundamental work of identifying species before they are lost.

The conservation impacts of ecological disturbance: time‐bound estimates of population loss and recovery for fauna affected by the 2019–2020 Australian megafires

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 03-2022

DOI: 10.1111/GEB.13473

Abstract: After environmental disasters, species with large population losses may need urgent protection to prevent extinction and support recovery. Following the 2019–2020 Australian megafires, we estimated population losses and recovery in fire‐affected fauna, to inform conservation status assessments and management. Temperate and subtropical Australia. 2019–2030 and beyond. Australian terrestrial and freshwater vertebrates one invertebrate group. From 1,050 fire‐affected taxa, we selected 173 whose distributions substantially overlapped the fire extent. We estimated the proportion of each taxon’s distribution affected by fires, using fire severity and aquatic impact mapping, and new distribution mapping. Using expert elicitation informed by evidence of responses to previous wildfires, we estimated local population responses to fires of varying severity. We combined the spatial and elicitation data to estimate overall population loss and recovery trajectories, and thus indicate potential eligibility for listing as threatened, or uplisting, under Australian legislation. We estimate that the 2019–2020 Australian megafires caused, or contributed to, population declines that make 70–82 taxa eligible for listing as threatened and another 21–27 taxa eligible for uplisting. If so‐listed, this represents a 22–26% increase in Australian statutory lists of threatened terrestrial and freshwater vertebrates and spiny crayfish, and uplisting for 8–10% of threatened taxa. Such changes would cause an abrupt worsening of underlying trajectories in vertebrates, as measured by Red List Indices. We predict that 54–88% of 173 assessed taxa will not recover to pre‐fire population size within 10 years/three generations. We suggest the 2019–2020 Australian megafires have worsened the conservation prospects for many species. Of the 91 taxa recommended for listing/uplisting consideration, 84 are now under formal review through national processes. Improving predictions about taxon vulnerability with empirical data on population responses, reducing the likelihood of future catastrophic events and mitigating their impacts on bio ersity, are critical.

Diversity in Australia’s tropical savannas: An integrative taxonomic revision of agamid lizards from the genera Amphibolurus and Lophognathus (Lacertilia: Agamidae)

Publisher: Museums Victoria

Date: 2018

DOI: 10.24199/J.MMV.2018.77.04

Factors shaping the evolution of colour patterns in Australian agamid lizards (Agamidae): A comparative study

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 15-03-2013

DOI: 10.1111/BIJ.12030

The death adder Acanthophis antarcticus (Shaw & Nodder, 1802) in Victoria: historical records and contemporary uncertainty

Publisher: Museums Victoria

Date: 2018

DOI: 10.24199/J.MMV.2018.77.03

MHC class II β exon 2 variation in pardalotes (Pardalotidae) is shaped by selection, recombination and gene conversion

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 08-10-2017

DOI: 10.1007/S00251-016-0953-7

Abstract: The high levels of polymorphism and allelic ersity which characterise genes in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are thought to be generated and maintained through the combined effects of different evolutionary processes. Here, we characterised exon 2 of the MHC class II β genes in two congeneric passerine species, the spotted (Pardalotus punctatus) and striated pardalote (Pardalotus striatus). We estimated the levels of allelic ersity and tested for signatures of recombination, gene conversion and balancing selection to determine if these processes have influenced MHC variation in the two species. Both species showed high levels of polymorphism and allelic ersity, as well as evidence of multiple gene loci and putative pseudogenes based on the presence of stop codons. We found higher levels of MHC ersity in the striated pardalote than the spotted pardalote, based on the levels of in idual heterozygosity, sequence ergence and number of polymorphic sites. The observed differences may reflect variable selection pressure on the species, resulting from differences in patterns of movement among populations. We identified strong signatures of historical balancing selection, recombination and gene conversion at the sequence level, indicating that MHC variation in the two species has been shaped by a combination of processes.

Geographic variation in hybridization and ecological differentiation between three syntopic, morphologically similar species of montane lizards

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 18-05-2016

DOI: 10.1111/MEC.13652

Abstract: To understand factors shaping species boundaries in closely related taxa, a powerful approach is to compare levels of genetic admixture at multiple points of contact and determine how this relates to intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as genetic, morphological and ecological differentiation. In the Australian Alps, the threatened alpine bog skink Pseudemoia cryodroma co-occurs with two morphologically and ecologically similar congeners, P. entrecasteauxii and P. pagenstecheri, and all three species are suspected to hybridize. We predicted that the frequency of hybridization should be negatively correlated with genetic ergence, morphological differentiation and microhabitat separation. We tested this hypothesis using a mitochondrial locus, 13 microsatellite loci, morphological and microhabitat data and compared results across three geographically isolated sites. Despite strong genetic structure between species, we detected hybridization between all species pairs, including evidence of backcrossed in iduals at the two sites where all three species are syntopic. Hybridization frequencies were not consistently associated with genetic, morphological or ecological differentiation. Furthermore, P. entrecasteauxii and P. pagenstecheri only hybridized at the two sites where they are syntopic with P. cryodroma, but not at the largest site where P. cryodroma was not recorded, suggesting that P. cryodroma may serve as a bridging species. This study reveals the complex dynamics within a three species hybrid zone and provides a baseline for assessing the impact of climate change and anthropogenic habitat modification on future hybridization frequencies.

Phylogeographic analysis detects congruent biogeographic patterns between a woodland agamid and Australian wet tropics taxa despite disparate evolutionary trajectories

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 03-2010

DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2699.2010.02293.X

Three new species of north-eastern Australian earless dragons (Agamidae: Tympanocryptis)

Publisher: Atlas of Living Australia

Date: 10-08-2023

DOI: 10.54102/AJT.VN9BW

Abstract: Earless dragons (Tympanocryptis spp.) are found in most open dry environments across the Australian continent, with the 23 currently described species inhabiting a variety of ecological niches, from stony desert to tropical woodland or cracking clay savannahs. Recent species delimitation research using genetics (mtDNA, nDNA, SNPs) and geometric morphometric analyses of CT scans identified three genetic lineages of earless dragons that are yet to be described in Queensland, supporting the need for a taxonomic revision. Focussing on this geographic region, we use supporting evidence from a mitochondrial DNA (ND2) phylogeny, along with external morphological assessment, to undertake a taxonomic revision of Queensland earless dragons. Based on these data, we describe three new species of Tympanocryptis from the cracking clay grasslands of the Darling Riverine Basin, the Queensland Central Highlands, and the stony open eucalypt woodlands on the Einasleigh Uplands. The revision of these north-eastern Australian earless dragon species provides further taxonomic clarity within the Tympanocryptis genus.

Introducing the Australian Journal of Taxonomy, a new, fully-online, fully open-access journal for the rapid publication of new Australian species and other taxa

Publisher: Atlas of Living Australia

Date: 11-05-2022

DOI: 10.54102/AJT.QXI3R

Abstract: With this paper we introduce the Australian Journal of Taxonomy and outline its scope, rationale, workflow and governance. The journal is published by Taxonomy Australia, a national collaboration by the Australian taxonomic community. Australian Journal of Taxonomy is one of the world's first fully-online journals. Papers are born-digital and born-online: they are authored on the Australian Journal of Taxonomy online platform, and all subsequent steps (peer-review, editing, copy editing and publication) take place on that platform. At no stage does a paper in Australian Journal of Taxonomy need to exist as a document in a word-processing application. This fully-online processing substantially eases and accelerates workflows, and reduces the costs of production and publishing to a minimum. For these reasons, Australian Journal of Taxonomy is also diamond open access, with no access charges for either authors or readers. Australian Journal of Taxonomy is optimised for the rapid publication of new Australian taxa across all eukaryotic organismal groups (animals, fungi, plants etc.), and is part of the overarching strategy of Taxonomy Australia to substantially accelerate the discovery and taxonomic documentation of Australia's bio ersity.

Evidence of constrained phenotypic evolution in a cryptic species complex of agamid lizards

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 18-01-2011

DOI: 10.1111/J.1558-5646.2010.01211.X

Abstract: Lineages that exhibit little morphological change over time provide a unique opportunity to explore whether nonadaptive or adaptive processes explain the conservation of morphology over evolutionary time scales. We provide the most comprehensive evaluation to date of the evolutionary processes leading to morphological similarity among species in a cryptic species complex, incorporating two agamid lizard species (Diporiphora magna and D. bilineata). Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial (ND2) and nuclear (RAG-1) gene regions revealed the existence of eight deeply ergent clades. Analysis of morphological data confirmed the presence of cryptic species among these clades. Alternative evolutionary hypotheses for the morphological similarity of species were tested using a combination of phylogenetic, morphological, and ecological data. Likelihood model testing of morphological data suggested a history of constrained phenotypic evolution where lineages have a tendency to return to their medial state, whereas ecological data showed support for both Brownian motion and constrained evolution. Thus, there was an overriding signature of constrained evolution influencing morphological ergence between clades. Our study illustrates the utility of using a combination of phylogenetic, morphological, and ecological data to investigate evolutionary mechanisms maintaining cryptic species.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for the Litoria ewingii complex and their use in conservation and hybridization studies

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 09-04-2011

DOI: 10.1007/S12686-011-9418-3

Microsatellite loci for the endangered growling grass frog (Litoria raniformis), with cross amplification in other Australian frog species

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 04-03-2011

DOI: 10.1007/S12686-011-9412-9

Taxonomic revision of dragon lizards in the genus Diporiphora (Reptilia: Agamidae) from the Australian monsoonal tropics

Publisher: Museums Victoria

Date: 2019

DOI: 10.24199/J.MMV.2019.78.02

Herpetofaunal diversity changes with climate: evidence from the Quaternary of McEachern’s Deathtrap Cave, southeastern Australia

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 27-08-2021

DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2021.2009844

Evolutionary relationships between morphology, performance and habitat openness in the lizard genus Niveoscincus (Scincidae: Lygosominae)

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 08-2000

DOI: 10.1006/BIJL.1999.0422

Conservation status of the world's skinks (Scincidae): Taxonomic and geographic patterns in extinction risk

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2021

DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOCON.2021.109101

A new species of Velvet Gecko (Oedura: Diplodactylidae) from the limestone ranges of the southern Kimberley, Western Australia

Publisher: Magnolia Press

Date: 14-10-2014

DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.3873.1.4

Abstract: We describe a new species of large Oedura from the Oscar Range on the southern edge of the Kimberley Craton in north-western Australia. Oedura murrumanu sp. nov. can be distinguished from all congeners by the combination of large size (snout-vent length to 103 mm), moderately long and slightly swollen tail, tiny scales on the dorsum, fringe of laterally expanded lamellae on each digit, and 6-7 paired distal subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe. The new species is the first endemic vertebrate known from the limestone ranges of the southern Kimberley however, this area remains poorly surveyed and further research (particularly wet season surveys and genetic analyses) is required to better characterise regional bio ersity values.

Conservation genetics and species status of an endangered Australian dragon, Tympanocryptis pinguicolla (Reptilia: Agamidae)

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 28-09-2007

DOI: 10.1007/S10592-006-9161-6

Museums Victoria

Location: Australia

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Monash University

Location: Australia

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Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP0776322

Start Date: 10-2007

End Date: 04-2014

Amount: $477,227.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP0990161

Start Date: 03-2010

End Date: 12-2013

Amount: $340,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP170100012

Start Date: 10-2018

End Date: 09-2022

Amount: $300,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP210101883

Start Date: 08-2021

End Date: 12-2024

Amount: $549,841.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP100200158

Start Date: 02-2011

End Date: 02-2014

Amount: $210,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP0667815

Start Date: 06-2006

End Date: 12-2010

Amount: $221,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP0452082

Start Date: 02-2003

End Date: 12-2006

Amount: $240,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP0769975

Start Date: 02-2007

End Date: 04-2010

Amount: $263,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council