Mitochondrial DNA Evidence and Evolution in Varanoidea (Squamata)

@article{Ast2001MitochondrialDE,
  title={Mitochondrial DNA Evidence and Evolution in Varanoidea (Squamata)},
  author={J C Ast},
  journal={Cladistics},
  year={2001},
  volume={17}
}
  • J. Ast
  • Published 1 September 2001
  • Biology
  • Cladistics
Varanoidea is a monophyletic group of anguimorph lizards, comprising the New World helodermatids, the Bornean earless monitor Lanthanotus borneensis, and the Old World monitors (Varanus). I use mitochondrial DNA sequences and extensive taxonomic sampling to test alternative hypotheses of varanoid relationships. The most parsimonious hypothesis confirms the monophyly of Varanoidea (Heloderma, Lanthanotus, and Varanus) and Varanus, as well as the sister‐taxon relationship of Varanus and… 
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124 Citations
Highly Influential Citations
21
Background Citations
63
Methods Citations
23
Results Citations
16

124 Citations

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A molecular phylogenetic study of 69 squamate species suggests that similar states in Sphenodon and Iguania result from homoplasy, and species previously placed in Scleroglossa, Varanoidea, and several other higher taxa do not form monophyletic groups.
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Analysis of Saniwa ensidens and other fossils includes the Eocene taxon “Saniwa” feisti, the Miocene Varanus rusingensis, and the giant Pleistocene varanid Megalania prisca to find numerous differences in the phylogenetic relationships within Varanus.
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