Evolutionary Perspectives on Dicroglossid Frogs: A Review of Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Research
S. Arjun
Centre for Molecular Evolutionary Genetics, Post Graduate and Research Department of Zoology, (Research Centre, University of Kerala), University College, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
Mano Mohan Antony *
Centre for Molecular Evolutionary Genetics, Post Graduate and Research Department of Zoology, (Research Centre, University of Kerala), University College, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Amphibians exhibit high species diversity and endemism globally but are facing significant declines over recent decades. The family Dicroglossidae, one of the most diverse groups of Anuran frogs, has a controversial taxonomy and phylogeny after the integration of molecular studies with classical taxonomic frameworks. Over the past three decades, numerous taxonomic revisions and hypotheses have been proposed for Dicroglossid frogs based on molecular and morphological data. This review examines global research trends, progress, and the status of this family, with a focus on their diversity in India, to guide future research priorities for amphibian conservation.
Keywords: Amphibia, Anura, dicroglossidae, taxonomy, phylogeny, evolution