Reptile Evolution and Genetics: An Overview

Olmo, Ettore

doi:10.3390/ani13121924

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 34 publications

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“…From a cytogenetic point of view, the high taxonomic and biological diversity of squamate reptiles is reflected at the chromosome level. Squamate reptiles show a remarkable diversity in their karyotype structure, including chromosome number and morphology, presence or absence of different chromosome classes (micro- and macrochromosomes) and the number and localization of specific chromosome markers (see, e.g., [ 12 , 13 ]). Chromosome sex determination systems are also highly variable in squamates.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Karyotype Diversification and Chromosome Rearrangements in Squamate Reptiles

Mezzasalma,

Macirella,

Odierna

et al. 2024

Genes

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Karyotype diversification represents an important, yet poorly understood, driver of evolution. Squamate reptiles are characterized by a high taxonomic diversity which is reflected at the karyotype level in terms of general structure, chromosome number and morphology, and insurgence of differentiated simple or multiple-sex-chromosome systems with either male or female heterogamety. The potential of squamate reptiles as unique model organisms in evolutionary cytogenetics has been recognised in recent years in several studies, which have provided novel insights into the chromosome evolutionary dynamics of different taxonomic groups. Here, we review and summarize the resulting complex, but promising, general picture from a systematic perspective, mapping some of the main squamate karyological characteristics onto their phylogenetic relationships. We highlight how all the major categories of balanced chromosome rearrangements contributed to the karyotype evolution in different taxonomic groups. We show that distinct karyotype evolutionary trends may occur, and coexist, with different frequencies in different clades. Finally, in light of the known squamate chromosome diversity and recent research advances, we discuss traditional and novel hypotheses on karyotype evolution and propose a scenario of circular karyotype evolution.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%