Some Karyotypes of Australian Agamids (Reptilia : Lacertilia)

Abstract

Karyotypes of 22 species of Australian agamids are described. Most of these exhibit a macrochromosome complement of six pairs. Lophognathus differs in having 10 pairs of macrochromosomes. Most Australian agamids possess 20 microchromosomes but Physignathus and Gonocephalus retain 24. This difference confirms the division of the Australian Agamidae into a large endemic radiation and a small group more closely related to Asian genera.