Molecular phylogenetic and biogeography of Sphenomorphini (Squamata: Scincidae)

Abstract

Sphenomorphini consists of 549 species in 34 genera, making it the most diverse skink tribes. Species diversity is highest in Southeast Asia with species found from the middle east, Asia, Australia, North and Central America. Taxonomic relationships among many of the genera and species within the genera are contentious due to poor morphological diagnoses. This dissertation resolves many of these issues through the examination of multiple independent molecular markers. Using traditional and new phylogenetic approaches an estimate of the relationships in Sphenomorphini is obtained. Additionally, the biogeographic history of Sphenomorphini and certain subgroups are examined under a variety of different approaches. A new taxonomy is defined for portions of Sphenomorphini and new species are described in the Philippines. These taxonomic changes and the new estimate of phylogenetic relationships of Sphenomorphini contribute a substantial step forward in the understanding of skink relationships.