A south-to-north biogeographic hypothesis for Andean speciation: evidence from the lizard genus Proctoporus (Reptilia, Gymnophthalmidae)

摘要: Aim  The lizard genus ProctoporusTschudi, 1845 was used as a model to test the South-to-North Speciation Hypothesis (SNSH) for species groups occurring in Andes Mountains of South America. This hypothesis proposes that speciation high Andean taxa followed south-to-north pattern, generally coinciding with progression final uplift Andes. According SNSH, phylogenetic relationships taxonomic group would show branching pattern which southernmost diverged first, by more northern species, and so on northerly pattern. Location  central America. Methods A reconstructed all Proctoporus examining external morphology 341 individuals. phylogeny then examined determine monophyly genus, distribution patterns groups, congruence SNSH. Results  did appear be monophyletic and, therefore, it valid use this assess SNSH. were found most basal, consistent not exactly match SNSH prediction. Venezuelan Trinidadian highly derived, predicted hypothesis, but Ecuadorian Colombian form particular relation hypothesis. Main conclusions  does have predictive power regard large-scale patterns. finer-scale Andes, however, complex phenomenon cannot fully explained simple hypothesis. It is important testable hand compare data from disparate groups. incorporation other similar necessary full utility explaining evolutionary