Phenograms of some representative species of the genus Liolaemus and related genera (Iguanidae, Reptilia)

Abstract

A preliminary morphometric study of some species of the genus Liolaemus and related genera produced four phenograms, which show more or less their systematic interrelations. The most consistent results according to the arrangement obtained by classical methods are produced with the UPGMA method of Sneath and Sokal (1973) (unweighted pair groups method using arithmetic averages) rather than with the WPGMA method (weighted pair groups method using arithmetic averages) and with size involved rather than without it.

The following genera which branched off from or near the base of the phenogram appear to be valid. They are Ctenoblepharis Tschudi 1845 which is monotypic, Phrynosaura Werner 1907, Ceiolaemus Laurent (in press), Vilcunia Donoso-Barros y Cei 1971, Stenocercus modestus (Schudi 1945) described as a Liolaemus which proved to be a senior synonym of S. moestus Boulenger. L. forsteri Laurent 1982 is also quite isolated, but it seems a highly apomorphic offshoot of the multiformis group. Ortholaemus Girard 1857 is also a late product of the adaptative radiation of Liolaemus, so that its full generic recognition may also be questioned. The Argentinian and North Andean species cluster together, while the Chilean, a few Argentinian and Southern Patagonian forms seem to belong to another lineage.