Evolution of Squamata Reptiles in Patagonia based on the fossil record

摘要: The Squamata, a vertebrate group that includes ‘lizards’, amphisbaenians and snakes, have inhabited Patagonia since the Late Cretaceous. Mesozoic record comprises an iguanian, scleroglossan great diversity of snakes include, among others, most primitive terrestrial forms. Snakes were also well diversified in Palaeogene, with fossils madtsoiids boids (including oldest extant Boa) found as far south 46°S, following then dominant subtropical conditions region. Palaeogene small, medium-sized large only persisted at beginning Neogene are all small forms, suggesting colder temperatures than during Palaeogene. South American ‘colubrids’ made their first appearance this time, reaching latitudes current Patagonian distribution (50°S). occurrence iguanians (Pristidactylus Liolaemus) teiids (Tupinambis). latter reached southernmost its evolutionary history Miocene. boids, tupinambine higher present indicates warmer uplift Andes, followed by decrease temperature increase desertification, induced strong contraction to northern regions even forced complete disappearance from In contrast, these changes appear favoured diversification iguanian genera on both sides Andes. © 2011 Linnean Society London, Biological Journal Society, 2011, 103, 441–457. Los Squamata (‘lagartos’, anfisbenas y serpientes) habitan la desde el Cretacico tardio. El registro Mesozoico comprende un iguanio, esclerogloso, una gran diversidad de serpientes que incluye las formas terrestres mas primitivas. Las estaban bien diversificadas durante Paleogeno, con madtsoideos boidos (incluyendo antiguo actual alcanzaron altas (46 °S) siguiendo condiciones subtropicales dominantes en En contraste pequenas, medianas grandes, los unicos persisten comienzos del Neogeno son todas pequenas sugieren temperaturas bajas Paleogeno. Los antiguos ‘colubridos’ sudamericanos Neogeno, cuando alcanzan (50 °S) al sur su distribucion. tambien aparicion generos actuales lagartos iguanios teidos Tupinambis alcanza distribucion austral Mioceno. La presencia boidos, tupinambinos mayores presente indica calidas Neogeno. levantamiento Andes Patagonicos, seguido por disminucion temperatura incremento aridez, produjo fuerte contraccion hacia norte desaparicion total Patagonia. contraste, estos cambios parecen haber favorecido diversificacion ambos lados Andes.