Abstract

The anterior myology of Crotaphytus wislizeni and C. collaris is described in detail and a statistical analysis is made of the differences in the relative bone sizes, and the number of eggs per clutch, as well as other taxonomic characters previously applied to these species. The significant differences found with respect to the shape of the skull, that of the body, and the character of the hyoid are correlated with muscular development and habits of the two species. The descriptive material is accompanied by detailed myological and osteological illustrations of C. wislizeni. Comparative notes are made on C. reticulatus which is found to be intermediate between these species with respect to its myology. The results of this study indicate that Gambelia and Crotaphytus are synonymous.

Degree

College and Department

Life Sciences; Plant and Wildlife Sciences

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