Towards a natural classification of African toads (Anura, Bufonidae): Past progress and future prospects

摘要: Abstract African bufonid toads (especially members of the genus Bufo) are a relatively uniform group morphologically, but beneath this apparent uniformity lies higher level diversity in habits and lifestyle than is initially evident. Members exhibit considerable variation size (from very small Bufo beiranus to large mauritanicus), habitat preference reproductive mode. The latter ranges from ‘normal’ oviparity with egg clutch free living tadpole stage, through ovoviviparity true viviparity progressive reduction size. It might be expected that form, ecological capability would have been stimulus systematists make one most intensively studied groups anurans. In fact, both our current state knowledge their phylogenetic relationships ability discriminate species genera remain poor. These deficiencies hamper progress study ...