Phylogenetic analysis of the nocturnal avian family Nyctibiidae (Caprimulgiformes) inferred from osteological characters
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2021-03-01
Autores
Costa, Thiago V.V.
Silveira, Luís Fábio
Posso, Sérgio R.
Donatelli, Reginaldo J. [UNESP]
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Resumo
The family Nyctibiidae (potoos) comprises seven extant species currently included in the genera Nyctibius and Phyllaemulor, endemic to the Neotropical region, and the extinct genus Paraprefica from the Eocene of Europe. The living species are secretive nocturnal birds, characterized by spend most of the daylight time in a freezing, upright posture, resembling the top of a stump or a dead leaf. Here we present the first phylogenetic analysis of the family based on morphological characters, inferred from 37 cranial and post-cranial characters of all but one representatives of Nyctibiidae, including the extinct genus Paraprefica. TNT analysis resulted in a single most parsimonious tree with a length of 47 steps, and the ingroup topology was (Paraprefica (Phyllaemulor bracteatus (Nyctibius leucopterus (Nyctibius griseus, Nyctibius jamaicensis (Nyctibius aethereus, Nyctibius grandis))))). These results partially corroborate previous phylogenetic hypotheses based on molecular data, mainly concerning the position of P. bracteatus, but the relationships among Nyctibius species remain controversial. The osteology of this family is remarkably distinct from close related groups, especially regarding the cranial and mandibular structures, mainly due to their noteworthy habits and large eyes and mouth. The distinction between Paraprefica and Phyllaemulor + Nyctibius, allied to the geographical and temporal disjunction of these two groups, seems to be enough for their separation at the subfamily level. A notable osteological variation exists also among the Nyctibius species, albeit included in a single genus, following the high levels of genetic divergence presented in the literature, suggesting that the currently accepted systematics of the family must be reviewed.
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Caprimulgiformes, Osteology, Phylogeny, Potoos, Systematics
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Zoologischer Anzeiger, v. 291, p. 113-122.