Fig 4 - uploaded by Daniel Melnikov
Content may be subject to copyright.
Holotype of Phrynocephalus sakoi sp. nov., ZISP 28705: a, general view from above; b, general view from below; c, head from above; d, head from below; e, head from front; f, head from side; g, hind limb toes.
Source publication
A revision of taxonomic structure of Phrynocephalus arabicus Anderson, 1894 complex was presented in our previous paper. However further investigations showed that specimens from southern Arabia do not refer to one species. A new species from Al Sharqiyah Sands, northeastern Oman is described. It differs morphologically from all other representativ...
Similar publications
Si se busca la excelencia en la organización de empresas, la mejora de procesos y por ende la calidad, emerge como imprescindible. El proyecto que se presenta recoge un estudio de caso sobre la aplicación de metodologías de mejora de procesos en el Museo Nacional de Omán, en Oriente Medio. La mejora que se recoge es del proceso de instalación y rev...
Citations
... A number of recent studies have focused on molecular taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of various Phrynocephalus species or species complexes [7,8,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] and on structure of complete mitochondrial genomes [22][23][24][25][26]. However, there is a lack of comparative phylogenetic works based on large datasets for the whole genus, thus, further studies are needed to access the genetic diversity across the genus Phrynocephalus, estimate the levels of cryptic diversity, and eventually to stabilize the taxonomy of the group. ...
... Although COI barcoding data can, in some cases, be used in studies on phylogenetic relationships and phylogeography, their primary application lies in species discovery and identification [29]. As such, COI barcoding was successfully applied for assessment of cryptic diversity across several species groups of the genus Phrynocephalus [13][14][15][17][18][19]21]. ...
... Altogether, we analyzed COI sequence data for 385 specimens of Phrynocephalus, including 99 newly generated sequences, 204 sequences obtained during our previous studies of the group [2,[12][13][14][15]19,21], and 82 sequences which were downloaded from GenBank (see Supplementary Table S1). The taxonomic framework generally follows Solovyeva et al. [2], Barabanov and Ananjeva [1], and the recent taxonomic reviews of Phrynocephalus [13][14][15][17][18][19]21]. For the detailed information on the localities and voucher specimens see Supplementary Table S1. ...
We provide a diversity assessment of the agamid genus Phrynocephalus Kaup, 1825. We analyze COI mtDNA barcodes from 385 individuals sampled all over Phrynocephalus range. We apply the ABGD, ASAP, bGMYC, mlPTP and hsPTP species delimitation algorithms to analyze the COI gene fragment variation and assess the species diversity in Phrynocephalus. Nine species groups are revealed in Phrynocephalus in agreement with earlier studies on the phylogenetic relationships of the genus. We demonstrate that the present taxonomy likely underestimates the actual diversity of the genus. Alternative species delimitation algorithms provide a confusingly wide range of possible number of Phrynocephalus species-from 54 to 103 MOTUs (molecular operational taxonomic units). The ASAP species delimitation scheme recognizing 63 MOTUs likely most closely fits the currently recognized taxonomic framework of Phrynocephalus. We also report on 13 previously unknown Phrynocephalus lineages as unverified candidate species. We demonstrate that the ASAP and the ABGD algorithms likely most closely reflect the actual diversity of Phrynocephalus, while the mlPTP and hsPTP largely overestimate it. We argue that species delimitation in these lizards based exclusively on mtDNA markers is insufficient, and call for further integrative taxonomic studies joining the data from morphology, mtDNA and nuDNA markers to fully stabilize the taxonomy of Phrynocephalus lizards.
... All operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were sampled in the mitochondrial DNA data set. This included sequence data from 46 individuals representing 29 Phrynocephalus species [note: Phrynocephalus taxonomy is in flux so we defer to further studies to stabilize the number of species in the group; i.e., Barabanov & Ananjeva (2007), Kamali & Anderson (2015), Melnikov et al. (2015); see Appendix 1]. For 10 species sample collection is from individuals representing multiple localities that are numbered in appendix 1. Population 2 of P. arabicus from Oman is recognized as a distinct species P. sakoi by Melnikov et al. (2015). ...
... This included sequence data from 46 individuals representing 29 Phrynocephalus species [note: Phrynocephalus taxonomy is in flux so we defer to further studies to stabilize the number of species in the group; i.e., Barabanov & Ananjeva (2007), Kamali & Anderson (2015), Melnikov et al. (2015); see Appendix 1]. For 10 species sample collection is from individuals representing multiple localities that are numbered in appendix 1. Population 2 of P. arabicus from Oman is recognized as a distinct species P. sakoi by Melnikov et al. (2015). Four recognized outgroup species (Laudakia caucasia, Bufoniceps laungwalaensis, Trapelus persicus, and T. sanguinolentus) were included based on results of Macey et al. (2000bMacey et al. ( , 2006. ...
Phylogenetic relationships of the agamid lizard genus Phrynocephalus are described in the context of plate tectonics. A near comprehensive taxon sampling reports three data sets: (1) mitochondrial DNA from ND1 to COI (3’ end of ND1, tRNAGln, tRNAIle, tRNAMet, ND2, tRNATrp, tRNAAla, tRNAAsn, tRNACys, tRNATyr, and the 5’ end of COI) with 1761 aligned positional sites (1595 included, 839 informative), (2) nuclear RAG-1 DNA with 2760 aligned positional sites (342 informative), and (3) 25 informative allozyme loci with 213 alleles (107 informative when coded as presence/absence). It is hypothesized that Phrynocephalus phyletic patterns and speciation reflect fault lines of ancient plates now in Asia rejuvenated by the more recent Indian and Arabian plate collisions. Molecular estimates of lineage splits are highly congruent with geologic dates from the literature. A southern origin for the genus in Southwest Asia is resolved in phylogenetic estimates and a northern origin is statistically rejected. On the basis of monophyly and molecular evidence several taxa previously recognized as subspecies are recognized as species: P. hongyuanensis, P. sogdianus, and P. strauchi as “Current Status”; Phrynocephalus bannikovi, Phrynocephalus longicaudatus, Phrynocephalus turcomanus, and Phrynocephalus vindumi are formally “New Status”. Phylogenetic evaluation indicates a soft substrate habitat of sand for the shared ancestor of modern Phrynocephalus. Size diversity maximally overlaps in the Caspian Basin and northwestern Iranian Plateau. The greatest species numbers of six in sympatry and regional allopatry are found in the southern Caspian Basin and southern Helmand Basin, both from numerous phylogenetic lineages in close proximity attributed to tectonic induced events.
... collectively have a sister relationship with T. sharqiyahensis. Similar phylogenetic relationships were discovered between toad-headed agamas of the Phrynocephalus arabicus complex (Melnikov et al. 2015). Phrynocephalus ahvazicus Melnikov et al., 2014 from the same Ahvaz sands is closely related to P. arabicus sensu stricto from central Arabia, and P. sakoi from the Sharqiyah sands in Oman forms a clade that has sister relationship to these species. ...
In the present study we provide evidence for the validity of the genus Trigonodactylus Hass, 1957, improve the diagnosis for this genus and describe a new species that belongs to it—Trigonodactylus persicus sp. nov., from the sand dunes in Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran. The new species is closely related to Trigonodactylus [Stenodactylus] arabicus sensu Hass, and can be distinguished by the following morphological characteristics: small size, maximum SVL 34 mm; SVL/TailL—approximately 1:1; ventral scales roundish, weakly keeled, 54–61 longitudinal rows at midbody and 190–25 along midbody. No enlarged postmentals. Fingers and toes slightly flattened dorso-ventrally. Lateral edge of digits fringed by series of projecting triangular scales. No web between digits. No preanal and femoral pores. Dorsal color pattern formed by thin, dark, irregular vermicular patches and spots. Sometimes these dark dorsal patterns blend with each other and form transverse bands. There is a narrow, dark, longitudinal line between forelimbs and hindlimbs on lateral sides. Dark, well developed ʌ-shaped marking on snout, which continues behind orbit on tympanum region, approaches the upper ear opening and ends on the pectoral arch. Labial scales white, in some cases with grey-brown dots. Dorsal surfaces of limbs and digits with irregular dark bands. Dorsal surface of tail with 8–10 wide, dark brown bands with irregular margins, same size as alternating light bands. Ventral surface of body and limbs white, tail with dark spots that become more distinct posteriorly.
... collectively have a sister relationship with T. sharqiyahensis. Similar phylogenetic relationships were discovered between toad-headed agamas of the Phrynocephalus arabicus complex (Melnikov et al. 2015). Phrynocephalus ahvazicus Melnikov et al., 2014 from the same Ahvaz sands is closely related to P. arabicus sensu stricto from central Arabia, and P. sakoi from the Sharqiyah sands in Oman forms a clade that has sister relationship to these species. ...
In the present study we provide evidence for the validity of the genus Trigonodactylus Hass, 1957, improve the diagnosis for this genus and describe a new species that belongs to it—Trigonodactylus persicus sp. nov., from the sand dunes in Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran. The new species is closely related to Trigonodactylus [Stenodactylus] arabicus sensu Hass, and can be distinguished by the following morphological characteristics: small size, maximum SVL 34 mm; SVL/TailL—approximately 1:1; ventral scales roundish, weakly keeled, 54–61 longitudinal rows at midbody and 190–25 along midbody. No enlarged postmentals. Fingers and toes slightly flattened dorso-ventrally. Lateral edge of digits fringed by series of projecting triangular scales. No web between digits. No preanal and femoral pores. Dorsal color pattern formed by thin, dark, irregular vermicular patches and spots. Sometimes these dark dorsal patterns blend with each other and form transverse bands. There is a narrow, dark, longitudinal line between forelimbs and hindlimbs on lateral sides. Dark, well developed ʌ-shaped marking on snout, which continues behind orbit on tympanum region, approaches the upper ear opening and ends on the pectoral arch. Labial scales white, in some cases with grey-brown dots. Dorsal surfaces of limbs and digits with irregular dark bands. Dorsal surface of tail with 8–10 wide, dark brown bands with irregular margins, same size as alternating light bands. Ventral surface of body and limbs white, tail with dark spots that become more distinct posteriorly.
Aim
Lizards are ancestrally diurnal, and most of them remain so. Nocturnality is common among lizards, but the environmental factors associated with lizard nocturnal activity are still unknown. Here, we contrasted the ambient temperature and productivity hypotheses, where we predicted that cold temperatures will pose a stonger limit to nocturnal species richness than diurnal lizards. Moreover, we contrasted the relative importance of annual, day and night mean temperatures to pinpoint the drivers of nocturnal lizard richness.
Location
Mainland Eurasia.
Methods
We collected distribution range and activity time data for all 1,113 lizard species found throughout mainland Eurasia. This represents the largest geographical scope to date, for studies of lizard species richness. We examined the spatial patterns of nocturnal species richness in relationship to diurnal species richness across environmental gradients of ambient temperature and productivity.
Results
Nocturnal lizards are richest in the tropics and in deserts, and their richness decreases with latitude. However, nocturnal lizards are absent from the highest latitudes and coldest regions inhabited by lizards. Diurnal and nocturnal lizards respond in a similar manner to climatic factors. Ambient temperature has a strong influence on both, whereas productivity is more tightly related to the proportion of nocturnal species.
Main conclusions
Nocturnality is widespread among Eurasian lizards. However, nocturnal lizards are absent from invariably cold regions, and low temperatures seem to be a limiting factor for lizard activity period. We suggest that the year‐round warm nights of the tropics reduce the cost of being active at night and open the nocturnal niche for many lizards. In hot deserts, the combination of hot days and aridity increases the cost of diurnal activity, whereas nocturnal activity provides a shelter from these extreme conditions.
