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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Taxonomic validity of Mesoclemmys heliostemma (McCord, Joseph-Ouni & Lamar, 2001) (Testudines, Chelidae) inferred from morphological analysis

Author(s):
Molina, Flavio B. [1, 2] ; Machado, Fabio A. [1, 3] ; Zaher, Hussam [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Museu Zool, BR-04263000 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Santo Amaro, BR-04829300 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Programa Genet & Biol Evolut, BR-05422970 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Zootaxa; n. 3575, p. 63-77, DEC 7 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 4
Abstract

Mesoclemmys heliostemma (Testudines: Chelidae) was described based on five vouchered specimens and nine live specimens from the western Amazon basin. Some authors questioned its status as a valid species, suggesting that it represents a junior synonym of M. raniceps. Here, we report on eight additional specimens from eastern Peru and northern Brazil, and provide descriptive statistics of morphological characters for hatchlings, juveniles, and adults of M. heliostemma, M. raniceps, and M. gibba. We also test for group differences through univariate and multivariate statistical analyses, and discuss some advantages of this methodology. Our data suggest that all three taxa are morphologically divergent, and that M. heliostemma is a valid species. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 02/13602-4 - Evolution of the southeastern Brazilian reptile fauna from Cretaceous: paleontology, phylogeny and biogeography
Grantee:Hussam El Dine Zaher
Support type: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 11/50206-9 - Origin and evolution of snakes and their diversification in the Neotropics: a multidisciplinary approach
Grantee:Hussam El Dine Zaher
Support type: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants