Comparative Analysis of Limb Proportions in Five Sympatric Species of Desert Lizards (Eremias, Lacertidae, Sauria)

Natalia B. Ananjeva

Abstract


Morphometric evaluation of limb proportions in five sympatric desert lacertas of the genus Eremias, namely E. velox, E. grammica, E. intermedia, E. lineolata, and E. scripta inhabiting southern Balkhash Lake region (Sary-Ishyk-Otrau desert), Kazakhstan, was made. Considerable species differences in proportions of some limb segments associated with locomotion adaptations (burrowing, climbing etc) of these lizards have been found as well as sexual dimorphism and age variability. Associations among morphometric peculiarities (limb proportions), locomotion activity, spatial, temporal, and trophic characteristics of ecological niches of sympatric species are discussed.

Keywords


sympatric species; Eremias; limb proportion; habitat preference; locomotion; Kazakhstan

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2003-10-2-140-144

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