Turtle phylogeny: insights from a novel nuclear intron

Fujita, Matthew K.; Engstrom, Tag N.; Starkey, David E.; Shaffer, H. Bradley

doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2003.09.016

Cited by 126 publications

(112 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…DNA was extracted using a standard salt extraction protocol (Sambrook and Russell 2001). Amplification followed a standard PCR protocol to amplify an 892 bp mtDNA fragment containing the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) gene and flanking tRNAs (Stuart and Parham 2004) and *1133 bp of the RNA fingerprint protein gene intron 1 (R35) (Fujita et al 2004). A TOPO TA cloning kit (Invitrogen) was used to recover both alleles of the R35 intron for the two putative hybrids, while the software program Phase (Stephens et al 2001) was used to recover alleles for the parental species.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

DNA evidence for the hybridization of wild turtles in Taiwan: possible genetic pollution from trade animals

Fong

Chen

2010

Conserv Genet

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Field surveys in Taiwan have uncovered turtles presumed to be hybrids based on their intermediate morphology. We sequenced a mitochondrial (ND4) and nuclear (R35) gene of two putative hybrid individuals, along with representatives of the potential parental species (Mauremys mutica, M. reevesii, M. sinensis), to determine their genetic identity. Based on our data, both individuals are hybrids, with independent, recent origins resulting from the mating of a female M. reevesii and a male M. sinensis. Since we question whether the highly traded M. reevesii is endemic to Taiwan, this hybridization could represent humanmediated genetic pollution. We also discuss the implications of our findings on turtle conservation in Taiwan.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

DNA evidence for the hybridization of wild turtles in Taiwan: possible genetic pollution from trade animals

Fong

Chen

2010

Conserv Genet

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“…In addition, synchronous flapping-style swimming has been reported for a single freshwater species, the pig-nosed turtle Carettochelys insculpta (Walther, 1921;Rayner, 1985;Georges et al, 2000;Walker, 2002), which would represent an independent convergence on this swimming style within the chelonian lineage. Carettochelys insculpta is the sole extant member of the carettochelyid lineage that forms the sister taxon to the trionychid clade ( Fig.1) Fujita et al, 2004;Iverson et al, 2007;Barley et al, 2010). While trionychids are highly specialized rowers with extensive webbing between the digits of the forelimb (Pace et al, 2001), this morphology is even further hypertrophied in C. insculpta through elongation of both the digits and webbing, so that the forelimbs of this species converge on at least a superficial resemblance to the foreflipper anatomy of sea turtles ( Fig.2) (Walther, 1921).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Forelimb kinematics during swimming in the pig-nosed turtle,Carettochelys insculpta, compared with other turtle taxa: rowing versus flapping, convergence versus intermediacy

Rivera

Blob

2012

Journal of Experimental Biology

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SUMMARYAnimals that swim using appendages do so by way of rowing and/or flapping motions. Often considered discrete categories, rowing and flapping are more appropriately regarded as points along a continuum. The pig-nosed turtle, Carettochelys insculpta, is unusual in that it is the only freshwater turtle to have limbs modified into flippers and swim via synchronous forelimb motions that resemble dorsoventral flapping, traits that evolved independently from their presence in sea turtles. We used high-speed videography to quantify forelimb kinematics in C. insculpta and a closely related, highly aquatic rower (Apalone ferox). Comparisons of our new data with those previously collected for a generalized freshwater rower (Trachemys scripta) and a flapping sea turtle (Caretta caretta) allow us to: (1) more precisely quantify and characterize the range of limb motions used by flappers versus rowers, and (2) assess whether the synchronous forelimb motions of C. insculpta can be classified as flapping (i.e. whether they exhibit forelimb kinematics and angles of attack more similar to closely related rowing species or more distantly related flapping sea turtles). We found that the forelimb kinematics of previously recognized rowers (T. scripta and A. ferox) were most similar to each other, but that those of C. insculpta were more similar to rowers than to flapping C. caretta. Nevertheless, of the three freshwater species, C. insculpta was most similar to flapping C. caretta. ʻFlappingʼ in C. insculpta is achieved through humeral kinematics very different from those in C. caretta, with C. insculpta exhibiting significantly more anteroposterior humeral motion and protraction, and significantly less dorsoventral humeral motion and depression. Based on several intermediate kinematic parameters and angle of attack data, C. insculpta may in fact represent a synchronous rower or hybrid rower-flapper, suggesting that traditional views of C. insculpta as a flapper should be revised. Supplementary material available online at

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“…Current wisdom has it that Carettochelys is the sole surviving member of a family that was widespread in the late Tertiary (Pritchard 1979a), with closest living relatives among the soft-shelled turtles (Trionychidae) (Chen et al 1980;Frair 1983Frair , 1985Meylan 1988;Shaffer et al 1997;Fujita et al 2004). However, it is sufficiently distinct to warrant retention of the family Carettochelyidae.…”

Section: 3mentioning

confidence: 99%

Carettochelys insculpta Ramsay 1886 – Pig-Nosed Turtle, Fly River Turtle

Georges

Doody

Eisemberg

et al. 2008

Chelonian Research Monographs

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summAry. -Carettochelys insculpta, the pig-nosed turtle (Family Carettochelyidae), is the sole surviving member of a family of turtles that was widely distributed during the Tertiary. It is restricted to the southern rivers of New Guinea and the rivers of the Northern Territory in Australia. Carettochelys is therefore a distinctive geographic and taxonomic relict and, although locally abundant, it is rare in the sense of being geographically restricted. Moreover, Carettochelys is unique or unusual among turtles in many facets of its morphology, ecology, and behavior. Populations in New Guinea are thought to be declining because of increased exploitation for meat and eggs for both domestic consumption and the international pet trade. This exploitation has been exacerbated in recent times by the introduction of modern technology, principally outboard motors. In addition, clan warfare has ceased, and people have moved from the hinterland to more convenient locations along river banks. Moreover, levels of commercial activity such as logging, mining and exploration for oil, gold, and copper and fishing have increased in recent times, bringing larger human populations, both indigenous and non-indigenous, into closer contact with turtle populations. In Australia, feral animals have posed a threat through widespread trampling of nesting banks and destruction of riparian habitat. Other potential pressures include aggressive pastoral and agricultural practices that push the land in the important catchments beyond capability. Such agricultural development, if not accompanied by appropriate and effective land management, can result in erosion, destruction of riparian vegetation, siltation of water courses, reduction and altered timing and duration of dry season environmental flows, which can lead to gross degradation of riverine habitat as we have seen in the southern states of Australia. Urgent research is required to determine trends in population numbers and levels of exploitation in New Guinea, and to identify and implement management options for the sustainable exploitation of Carettochelys. In Australia, improved knowledge of the distribution of Carettochelys is required, especially the status of populations in the Victoria River, so that the value of the two known major populations in the Daly River and Alligator Rivers region can be adequately assessed. Wet-season habitat requirements, extent of seasonal movements, and requirements of juveniles are unknown, yet this information is needed to gauge the possible impact of proposed or potential development within catchments and to gauge the adequacy of existing reserves for protecting the species.

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Turtle phylogeny: insights from a novel nuclear intron

Cited by 126 publications

References 44 publications

DNA evidence for the hybridization of wild turtles in Taiwan: possible genetic pollution from trade animals

DNA evidence for the hybridization of wild turtles in Taiwan: possible genetic pollution from trade animals

Forelimb kinematics during swimming in the pig-nosed turtle,Carettochelys insculpta, compared with other turtle taxa: rowing versus flapping, convergence versus intermediacy

Carettochelys insculpta Ramsay 1886 – Pig-Nosed Turtle, Fly River Turtle

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