There was little correlation between genetic and morphological distinctiveness across populations, although one population was genetically and morphologically the most distinctive.
However, such genetic similarity is not apparent (Table 1) and P. t. amoyensis is clearly distinct as the basal tiger in phylogenetic analyses (Figure 2), reaffirming established morphological distinctiveness [8], [17].
For example, there is much debate and literature out there on the various merits of the biological species concept (reproductive isolation) vs. the phylogenetic species concept (monophyly: populations share common ancestor) vs. morphospecies concept (morphological distinctiveness).
The observed morphological distinctiveness might be result of adaptations to life in the Alaotra wetlands, similar to the Alaotra bamboo lemur species, Hapalemur alaotrensis, which is also recognized as a distinct species despite being genetically close to the more widespread Hapalemur griseus.
In BLUE, this morphological distinctiveness is not only manifested in the sexually dimorphic trait, throat colour, but morphemetric analyses suggest that it is also evident in other morphometric traits.
For centuries taxonomy has depended on morphological distinctiveness.
Subspecies status is appropriate here based on geographic and morphological distinctiveness [ 33].
Given its morphological distinctiveness [ 37], we recommend recognizing the tribe Stathmonotini within the Labrisomidae.
Finally, the morphological distinctiveness of populations in genetic units G remains to be tested.
However, unexplained patterns of genetic variation suggest that this alone cannot explain the morphological distinctiveness of puna populations.
