Traits of lizards of the world: Variation around a successful evolutionary design

Author(s)

Meiri, Shai

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY; v. 27, n. 10, p. 1168-1172, OCT 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 8

Abstract

Motivation over the last 12 years I have been collecting trait and geographic data on lizards. These data could be useful for scientists studying this remarkable reptilian radiation. Furthermore, as published data for some of the less well known species are scarce, I hope this study can initiate a community effort to fill in data gaps. I present geographical, morphological, ecological, physiological and life history data for the 6,657 known species of lizards. I further indicate whether there are phylogenetic data associated with them, and their threat assessment, if they have one. I present descriptive statistics regarding these traits and point to avenues for future research using the dataset. Main types of variable contained Spatial location body size, ecological, thermal biology, geographic, phylogenetic and life history data. Global. Time period Major taxa data are for species known from living, or recently extinct species. Most underlying data were collected during the 20th and 21st centuries. Reptilia, Sauria (Squamata, including Amphisbaenia but excluding Serpentes). Level of measurement Software format species. csv. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/21457-4 - Linking macroecological patterns in ecological networks to functional traits of species: plant-hummingbird networks across the Americas
• Grantee: Pietro Kiyoshi Maruyama Mendonça
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral