Phylogenetic and spatial distribution of evolutionary diversification, isolation, and threat in turtles and crocodilians (non-avian archosauromorphs).

ABSTRACT:

Background

The origin of turtles and crocodiles and their easily recognized body forms dates to the Triassic and Jurassic. Despite their long-term success, extant species diversity is low, and endangerment is extremely high compared to other terrestrial vertebrate groups, with ~ 65% of ~ 25 crocodilian and ~ 360 turtle species now threatened by exploitation and habitat loss. Here, we combine available molecular and morphological evidence with statistical and machine learning algorithms to present a phylogenetically informed, comprehensive assessment of diversification, threat status, and evolutionary distinctiveness of all extant species.

Results

In contrast to other terrestrial vertebrates and their own diversity in the fossil record, the recent extant lineages of turtles a

SUBMITTER: Colston TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7350713 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature