Geographic patterns of endemism and speciation in amphibians and reptiles of the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan, with special reference to their paleogeographical implications

• DOI: 10.1007/bf02763404
• Publication Date: 2007-12-01T11:12:34Z
• Authors: Hidetoshi Ota
• Keywords: Vicariance; Endemism; Archipelago; Subspecies; Land bridge; Dominance (genetics); Genetic algorithm

Abstract This paper analyzes the phylogeographical patterns of amphibian and reptile lineages distributed in Ryukyu islands south Tokara Gap on basis relevant distributional data phylogenetic hypotheses hitherto published. Results indicate numerical dominance highly relict central Ryukyus, occurences a few more or less Miyako Group as well. On other hand, most species subspecies endemic to Yaeyama Groups are considered be direct consequences vicariance with adjacent regions. Three major regarding Cenozoic paleogeography southern Ryukyus examined light present results modified hypothesis is proposed accordingly.