Phylogenetic Systematics, Ecology, and Conservation of Marsupial Frogs (Anura: Hemiphractidae) from the Andes of Southern Ecuador, with Descriptions of Four New Biphasic Species
Author | : Sofía Carvajal-Endara |
Publisher | : |
Total Pages | : 102 |
Release | : 2019 |
ISBN-10 | : 1776706080 |
ISBN-13 | : 9781776706082 |
Rating | : 4/5 (80 Downloads) |
Book excerpt: We review the systematics of the species of Gastrotheca (Anura: Hemiphractidae) in the highlands of the southern Ecuadorian Andes. We analyzed phylogenetic, morphological, ecological, and acoustic data from populations in the region. We provide an updated phylogenetic hypothesis inferred from a database that contains 42 species of Gastrotheca, and sequences from mitochondrial (12S, 16S, and ND1) and nuclear (POMC and RAG-1) genes. We describe four new endemic biphasic species for Ecuador (Gastrotheca cuencana, G. elicioi, G. turnerorum, and G. yacuri). In addition, we redefine G. lojana, recently resurrected from the synonymy of G. monticola, and redescribe G. litonedis. Furthermore, we describe the tadpoles and ontogenetic color changes in six species (G. cuencana, G. elicioi, G. litonedis, G. lojana, G. pseustes, and G. turnerorum). Also, we describe the calls of seven species (G. cuencana, G. elicioi, G. litonedis, G. lojana, G. pseustes, G. testudinea, and G. yacuri).