Cryptic diversity in vertebrates: molecular data double estimates of species diversity in a radiation of Australian lizards (Diplodactylus, Gekkota).
A major problem for biodiversity conservation and management is that a significant portion of species diversity remains undocumented (the 'taxonomic impediment'). This problem is widely acknowledged to be dire among invertebrates and in developing countries; here, we demonstrate that it can be acute even in conspicuous animals (reptiles) and in developed nations (Australia). A survey of mtDNA, allozyme and chromosomal variation in the Australian gecko, genus Diplodactylus, increases overall species diversity estimates from 13 to 29. Four nominal species each actually represent multi-species complexes; three of these species complexes are not even monophyletic. The high proportion of cryptic species discovered emphasizes the importance of continuing detailed assessments of species diversity, even in apparently well-known taxa from industrialized countries.
Oliver
Paul M
PM
Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia. paul.oliver@adelaide.edu.au
Adams
Mark
M
Lee
Michael S Y
MS
Hutchinson
Mark N
MN
Doughty
Paul
P