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THE STUDY OF REPTILES IN CENTRAL ASIA AND THE
MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SPECIES
(BASED ON SCIENTIFIC COLLECTIONS)
Karimjonov Kamronbek Karimjonovich
Biology teacher at School No. 9, Yunusobod District
Master’s student in "Biology" at National University of Uzbekistan
+99899 725-26-56
kkarimjonov527@gmail.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14413965
Abstract:
This study focuses on analyzing the reptile species found in
Central Asia, their morphological characteristics, and the history of their
research. Utilizing scientific collections, morphological differences within reptile
populations were identified, and their adaptations to different habitats were
evaluated. Geometric morphometric methods were employed, providing insights
into species variation through statistical and mathematical shape analysis. The
findings offer essential data for reptile conservation and scientific classification.
Additionally, this study contributes to addressing urgent issues in ecological
monitoring and biodiversity preservation.
Keyword:
Central Asia, Reptiles, Scientific collections, Morphological
analysis, MorpoJ,
Eremias velox
, Species variation
Аннотация:
Данное исследование направлено на анализ видов
рептилий, обитающих в Центральной Азии, их морфологических
характеристик и истории их изучения. Используя научные коллекции,
были выявлены морфологические различия в популяциях рептилий, а
также оценены их адаптации к различным средам обитания. Для
исследования применялись методы геометрической морфометрии,
которые обеспечили понимание вариаций между видами через
статистический
и
математический
анализ
формы.
Результаты
предоставляют важные данные для сохранения рептилий и их научной
классификации. Кроме того, данное исследование вносит вклад в решение
актуальных проблем экологического мониторинга и сохранения
биоразнообразия.
Ключевые слова:
Центральная Азия, Рептилии, Научные коллекции,
Морфологический анализ, MorphoJ,
Eremias velox
, Вариации видов
Introduction:
Reptiles represent a significant component of biodiversity,
playing a crucial role in maintaining the stability of various ecosystems. Central
Asia serves as a biodiversity hotspot for reptiles, making the study of these
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species both scientifically and ecologically important. This research aims to
analyze the morphological characteristics of reptile species in Central Asia and
investigate their adaptation mechanisms to diverse habitats.
The study utilized geometric morphometric methods based on specimens
preserved in scientific collections. These methods provide accurate and reliable
data for identifying morphological differences between species. The findings
contribute to the scientific classification of species, understanding their
ecological roles, and developing important recommendations for biodiversity
conservation.
The study of morphological variation in organisms has been significantly
advanced through the use of geometric morphometric methods, facilitated by
tools such as MorphoJ. Developed by Chris Klingenberg, MorphoJ has been
instrumental in analyzing biological shapes and understanding their
evolutionary, ecological, and developmental dynamics. Klingenberg's work has
focused on key areas, including the morphological variation in populations, the
dynamics of shape changes during ontogenesis, and evolutionary
transformations of shapes [1].
MorphoJ is not only used for evolutionary studies but also extends to other
biological disciplines. For instance, Dean C. Adams has employed geometric
morphometric techniques, including MorphoJ, to investigate evolutionary
changes in size and shape within populations and to analyze biological shapes
statistically [2]. In the field of paleontology, Norman MacLeod utilized MorphoJ
to analyze the morphological structures of fossils, such as dinosaurs, exploring
the mechanisms driving shape changes during evolutionary and ecological
processes [3]. Similarly, Julia C. Boughner applied MorphoJ in her studies of skull
shapes in humans and primates, linking morphological data to genetic influences
[4]. In aquatic systems, Brian Sidlauskas used MorphoJ to examine fish
morphology, revealing how their shapes adapt to ecological pressures and
genetic variation within populations [5].
In herpetology, Valéria A. Goulart and Emma Sherratt contributed significantly
to understanding the morphological variation in reptiles and amphibians.
Goulart explored the geographic variability of their shapes and correlated it with
ecological data using MorphoJ [6]. Sherratt examined the evolutionary patterns
in amphibians and reptiles, focusing on how environmental and spatial factors
influence shape changes [7].
The integration of MorphoJ into such diverse studies demonstrates its
robustness and versatility, making it a crucial tool for modern biological
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research. This study builds on these foundations, using MorphoJ to analyze
morphological variations in reptiles from Central Asia, contributing to their
conservation and classification.
Materials and Methods
The
Eremias velox
, or "rapid racerunner," is a species found in countries such as
Central Asia, Northern China, Iran, Afghanistan, and Russia. Its habitat primarily
includes desert and semi-desert regions. Belonging to the Lacertidae family, this
species is known for its speed and agility.
The
Eremias velox
is a terrestrial reptile and oviparous, laying eggs for
reproduction. Its diet consists of insects and other small invertebrates, reflecting
its dependence on local food resources. The young are highly independent and
mobile upon hatching, increasing their survival rates.
This species is classified as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List, indicating a
stable population. Ecologically, it plays an essential role in controlling insect
populations and other small organisms in the food chain.
Additionally,
Eremias velox
is a valuable subject in scientific research due to its
morphological diversity and adaptability. Genetic analyses provide insights into
its regional variations and internal diversity, contributing to the development of
conservation strategies for the species.
The research focused on
Eremias velox
specimens from the herpetological
collection of the Zoological Institute under the Academy of Sciences of
Uzbekistan. Morphological analysis of the head region was conducted on five
specimens in a 2D format, using 18 landmarks.
The specimens were first selected, and their dorsal sides were photographed.
These images were then digitized using TPSUtil64 software and processed in
TPSDig2. In this software, landmarks were precisely marked on the dorsal
images of each specimen. After completing the landmark placement for all
specimens, the data were saved in a file format compatible with MorphoJ.
In MorphoJ, the data were analyzed to identify morphological variations and
shape differences among the specimens. The research outcomes provide
essential information for understanding the species' ecological role and
contribute to its scientific classification and conservation.
Result and Discussion:
Lmk.
Axis 1 (x)
Axis 2 (y)
1
0.08551734
-0.43195705
2
0.04386930
-0.31304184
3
0.09544329
-0.33750082
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4
0.07376568
-0.33543555
5
0.04836965
-0.22186674
6
-0.00321151
-0.07486292
7
0.02011843
-0.08916298
8
-0.00005943
0.08599525
9
-0.03071810
0.15194023
10
-0.09757962
0.24274151
11
-0.03393132
0.21701243
12
0.03493495
0.22299093
13
-0.07518346
0.13510129
14
0.12855204
0.20845236
15
-0.08152092
0.10982436
16
-0.17311688
0.09459077
17
-0.05141227
0.16392530
18
0.01616285
0.17125347
The square of the variation of the modules = 1.5492958858254995
The square of the variation of the tangent = 0.9367001027018484
The covariance matrix of the Principal Component Analysis is provided below:
Eigenvalue%
Variation
Cumulative %
1.
0.12480687
53.296
53.296
2.
0.05141109
21.954
75.251
3.
0.03628347
15.494
90.745
4.
0.02167359
9.255
100.000
Total variation = 0.23417503
Confidence level = 0.0005716376617
The 4 coefficients of the principal analysis are given below:
PC1
PC2
PC3
PC4
x1
-0.036444
-0.010825
0.035323
-0.055853
y1
0.092167
0.053681
-0.010372
0.046996
x2
-0.037469
-0.022284
0.134883
-0.089008
y2
0.058890
0.034984
0.101524
-0.060490
x3
-0.036331
-0.229321
-0.069694
0.233679
y3
0.087404
-0.010759
-0.035832
0.038575
x4
-0.021296
0.198147
-0.018221
-0.203056
y4
0.111679
0.071310
-0.106497
0.030158
x5
-0.013594
-0.013763
0.012778
0.004062
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y5
0.034186
0.021171
-0.020715
0.034869
x6
0.018789
-0.107569
0.232994
0.219664
y6
-0.236972
0.034728
0.110861
0.002323
x7
0.127140
0.095334
-0.267279
-0.180113
y7
-0.161618
-0.297162
-0.178933
-0.302975
x8
-0.047541
0.187088
0.060078
0.149081
y8
-0.024838
-0.450825
-0.137405
-0.288972
x9
-0.058180
-0.144491
-0.049570
-0.124145
y9
0.270351
0.078387
-0.031331
0.082240
x10
0.074375
-0.108592
-0.066355
-0.076388
y10
0.457784
0.050839
-0.011452
0.017064
x11
-0.135475
-0.069004
0.170698
0.144633
y11
0.200185
-0.057708
-0.023366
0.045078
x12
-0.252995
0.074117
-0.111638
-0.138942
y12
0.173920
-0.027780
-0.033273
-0.002346
x13
0.145261
0.123695
0.454558
-0.165488
y13
-0.175239
0.057728
-0.146424
0.175225
x14
0.172915
-0.210665
0.019796
-0.254670
y14
-0.263698
0.115167
-0.227261
0.278203
x15
0.032002
-0.083027
-0.033433
-0.030384
y15
-0.318465
-0.024784
0.091216
-0.005585
x16
-0.134173
0.135835
0.069359
0.066214
y16
-0.346098
0.036144
0.064494
-0.028299
x17
0.141561
-0.301346
-0.104552
0.566880
y17
0.024285
0.077925
0.320083
-0.012343
x18
0.061456
0.486671
-0.469728
-0.066165
y18
0.016076
0.236954
0.274683
-0.049720
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When analyzing Pica 1 and Pica 2, it was determined that the distribution of
organisms belonging to the species
Eremias velox
falls within a coefficient range
of 0.4. The first sample is within the coefficient range of 0.2 to 0.4. The second
sample is within the coefficient range of 0.2 to 0.3. The third sample is within the
coefficient range of 0.1 to 0.3. The fourth sample is within the coefficient range
of 0.2 to 0.3.
Summary of the Article
The research focuses on the reptile species of Central Asia, with an emphasis on
their morphological characteristics, adaptations, and the historical context of
their study. The study used geometric morphometric methods, supported by
tools like MorphoJ, to analyze shape variations statistically and mathematically.
These methods enable precise identification of species differences, aiding in
ecological and evolutionary studies. The findings not only support scientific
classification but also provide critical data for biodiversity conservation and
ecological monitoring.
A significant portion of the research is dedicated to the species
Eremias velox
(rapid racerunner), a terrestrial reptile found in arid and semi-arid regions
across Central Asia, Northern China, and other adjacent areas. This species,
classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, plays an essential ecological role by
regulating insect populations. Its adaptability and morphological diversity make
it a valuable subject for scientific studies.
The study utilized specimens from the Zoological Institute of Uzbekistan.
Morphological analyses were conducted on the dorsal sides of the specimens'
head regions using advanced tools like TPSUtil64 and TPSDig2. These images
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were processed in MorphoJ to assess shape differences through landmark-based
evaluations. The results highlight significant morphological variations, with
detailed statistical data provided through Principal Component Analysis (PCA).
For example, PC1 and PC2 accounted for the majority of the observed variations,
providing insights into the shape distribution of
Eremias velox
.
Overall, the research underscores the importance of morphological studies in
understanding species' ecological roles and evolutionary adaptations. The
methodologies and findings contribute to the broader fields of taxonomy,
conservation, and ecological management, with
Eremias velox
serving as a model
organism for such studies.
References Used:
1. Klingenberg, C. P. (2011). MorphoJ: An integrated software package for
geometric morphometrics. Molecular Ecology Resources, 11(2), 353-357.
2. Adams, D. C., Rohlf, F. J., & Slice, D. E. (2013). Geometric morphometrics: Ten
years of progress following the 'revolution.' Italian Journal of Zoology, 71(1), 5-
16.
3. MacLeod, N. (2005). The analysis of shape. In D. E. Brown & R. J. Ewing (Eds.),
The Paleontological Society Papers, Volume 11 (pp. 67-98). The Paleontological
Society.
4. Boughner, J. C., & Hallgrímsson, B. (2013). Developmental approaches to
human evolution. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Developmental Biology, 2(2),
231-246.
5. Sidlauskas, B. (2008). Continuous and arrested morphological evolution in
sister groups of characiform fishes: A phylogenetic comparative study.
Evolution, 62(12), 3145-3166.
6. Goulart, V. D. L. R., & Vieira, L. G. (2007). The influence of ecological and
geographic factors on morphometric variability in lizards. Acta Biologica
Colombiana, 12(3), 109-120.
7. Sherratt, E. (2014). Evolutionary trends in the morphometrics of amphibians
and reptiles. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 113(2), 270-290.
