What does the monotypic status of Genus *Xema* imply for *Xema sabini*?
Answer
It is the only species currently recognized within its genus.
The term monotypic, when applied to a genus, signifies that the genus contains only a single recognized species. In this specific case, *Xema sabini* is the sole member of the genus *Xema*. This evolutionary arrangement suggests that the lineage leading to the Sabine’s Gull separated from the ancestors of other gulls relatively early during the diversification process within the family Laridae. This isolation is reflected in its distinct features, such as specific skull morphology and bill structure, which warrant its placement in a genus separate from the large, species-rich genera like *Larus*.
#Videos
Xeme Facts: Sabine's Gull (Xema) 𓅰 Animal Fact Files - YouTube
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