Title |
Integration of molecules and new fossils supports a Triassic origin for Lepidosauria (lizards, snakes, and tuatara)
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Published in |
BMC Ecology and Evolution, September 2013
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DOI | 10.1186/1471-2148-13-208 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Marc EH Jones, Cajsa Lisa Anderson, Christy A Hipsley, Johannes Müller, Susan E Evans, Rainer R Schoch |
Abstract |
Lepidosauria (lizards, snakes, tuatara) is a globally distributed and ecologically important group of over 9,000 reptile species. The earliest fossil records are currently restricted to the Late Triassic and often dated to 227 million years ago (Mya). As these early records include taxa that are relatively derived in their morphology (e.g. Brachyrhinodon), an earlier unknown history of Lepidosauria is implied. However, molecular age estimates for Lepidosauria have been problematic; dates for the most recent common ancestor of all lepidosaurs range between approximately 226 and 289 Mya whereas estimates for crown-group Squamata (lizards and snakes) vary more dramatically: 179 to 294 Mya. This uncertainty restricts inferences regarding the patterns of diversification and evolution of Lepidosauria as a whole. |
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Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
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United States | 6 | 13% |
Spain | 3 | 6% |
Canada | 2 | 4% |
Egypt | 1 | 2% |
India | 1 | 2% |
Netherlands | 1 | 2% |
New Zealand | 1 | 2% |
Argentina | 1 | 2% |
Other | 2 | 4% |
Unknown | 20 | 43% |
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Scientists | 12 | 26% |
Practitioners (doctors, other healthcare professionals) | 2 | 4% |
Science communicators (journalists, bloggers, editors) | 1 | 2% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
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Germany | 2 | 1% |
Spain | 2 | 1% |
Sweden | 1 | <1% |
Italy | 1 | <1% |
Brazil | 1 | <1% |
Russia | 1 | <1% |
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Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
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Student > Bachelor | 30 | 16% |
Researcher | 24 | 13% |
Student > Master | 24 | 13% |
Professor | 13 | 7% |
Other | 28 | 15% |
Unknown | 26 | 14% |
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Earth and Planetary Sciences | 26 | 14% |
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | 9 | 5% |
Environmental Science | 9 | 5% |
Medicine and Dentistry | 3 | 2% |
Other | 6 | 3% |
Unknown | 32 | 17% |