Literaturdatenbank
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Russello, M. A., Glaberman, S., Gibbs, J. P., Marquez, C. B., Powell, J. R., & Caccone, A. (2005). A cryptic taxon of galapagos tortoise in conservation peril. Biology Letters, 1(3), 287–290.
Added by: Admin (14 Aug 2008 20:32:49 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: Russello2005 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Chelonoidis, Chelonoidis nigra, Geochelone, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Systematik = taxonomy, Testudinidae Creators: Caccone, Gibbs, Glaberman, Marquez, Powell, Russello Collection: Biology Letters |
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| Abstract |
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Testudinidae Geochelone nigra As once boldly stated, 'bad taxonomy can kill', highlighting the critical importance of accurate taxonomy for the conservation of endangered taxa. The concept continues to evolve almost 15 years later largely because most legal protections aimed at preserving biological diversity are based on formal taxonomic designations. In this paper we report unrecognized genetic divisions within the giant tortoises of the Galapagos. We found three distinct lineages among populations formerly considered a single taxon on the most populous and accessible island of Santa Cruz; their diagnosability, degree of genetic divergence and phylogenetic placement merit the recognition of at least one new taxon. These results demonstrate the fundamental importance of continuing taxonomic investigations to recognize biological diversity and designate units of conservation, even within long-studied organisms such as Galapagos tortoises, whose evolutionary heritage and contribution to human intellectual history warrant them special attention.
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