In:
ZooKeys, Pensoft Publishers, Vol. 977 ( 2020-10-22), p. 101-161
Abstract:
Multiple disciplines can help to discover cryptic species and resolve taxonomic confusions. The Asian horned toad genus Megophrys sensu lato as a diverse group was proposed to contain dozens of cryptic species. Based on molecular phylogenetics, morphology, osteology, and bioacoustics data, the species profiles of Megophrys toads in the eastern corner of Himalayas in Medog County, Tibet Autonomous Region, China was investigated. The results indicated that this small area harbored at least four Megophrys species, i.e., M. medogensis , M. pachyproctus , Megophrys zhoui sp. nov. , and Megophrys yeae sp. nov. , the latter two being described in this study. Additionally, the mitochondrial DNA trees nested the low-middle-elevation and high-elevation groups of M. medogensis into a monophyletic group, being in discordance with the paraphyletic relationship between them revealed in the nuclear DNA trees. The findings highlighted the underestimated biodiversity in Himalayas, and further indicated that the Megophrys toads here have been probably experienced complicated evolutionary history, for example, introgression between clades or incomplete lineage sorting and niche divergences in microhabitats. Anyway, it is urgent for us to explore the problems because these toads are suffering from increasing threats from human activities and climatic changes.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1313-2970
,
1313-2989
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.977.55693
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.977.55693.figure1
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10.3897/zookeys.977.55693.figure9
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.977.55693.suppl1
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.977.55693.suppl2
Language:
Unknown
Publisher:
Pensoft Publishers
Publication Date:
2020
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2445640-8
SSG:
12
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