Open AccessA phylogenetic analysis of variation in reproductive mode within an Australian lizard ( Saiphos equalis , Scincidae)
Author(s) -
SMITH SARAH A.,
AUSTIN CHRISTOPHER C.,
SHINE RICHARD
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
biological journal of the linnean society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.906
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1095-8312
pISSN - 0024-4066
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2001.tb01382.x
Subject(s) - oviparity , biology , lizard , zoology , phylogenetic tree , clade , squamata , lacertidae , ecology , range (aeronautics) , evolutionary biology , sauria , genetics , materials science , composite material , gene
Saiphos equalis , a semi‐fossorial scincid lizard from south‐eastern Australia, is one of only three reptile species world‐wide that are known to display geographic variation in reproductive mode. Uniquely, Saiphos equalis includes populations with three reproductive modes: oviparous with long (15‐day) incubation periods; oviparous with short (5‐day) incubation periods; and viviparous (0‐day incubation periods). No Saiphos populations show ‘normal’ scincid oviparity (> 30‐day incubation period). We used mitochondrial nucleotide sequences ( ND2 and cytochrome b ) to reconstruct relationships among populations from throughout the species' distribution in New South Wales, Australia. Under the phylogenetic species concept, phylogenetic analyses are consistent with the oviparous and viviparous populations of S. equalis being conspecific. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the long incubation period oviparous lineage is the sister group to all other populations; and that the viviparous populations belong to a cluster of weakly supported clades basal to the short‐incubation‐period oviparous clade. These clades correspond to variation in reproductive mode and geographic location.