What is the current genus classification for the native Australian Water Dragon?
Answer
Intellagama
The current, recognized genus for the native Australian Water Dragon species, *I. lesueurii*, is *Intellagama*. This taxonomic separation from the Asian dragon was a significant decision reflecting genetic evidence suggesting a substantial evolutionary split between the two lineages. Previously, the Australian species was housed under *Physignathus*, alongside the Asian species. The establishment of *Intellagama* as a distinct genus signifies that researchers believe there are enough unique evolutionary traits separating the Australian lineage to warrant placement on a separate branch of the phylogenetic tree, distinguishing it from its Asian relatives at a generic level.
Related Questions
Which genus classifies the Asian Water Dragon, Physignathus cocincinus?What is the scientific designation for the Gippsland Water Dragon subspecies?To which taxonomic order do both Australian and Asian Water Dragons belong?What geographical region does the specific epithet cocincinus reference?What is the current genus classification for the native Australian Water Dragon?Before being moved to Intellagama, what genus housed the Australian Water Dragon?Which naturalist is honored by the specific epithet lesueurii in the Australian Water Dragon's name?What is the precise classification for the Eastern Water Dragon subspecies?What taxonomic rank provides the most immediate indicator differentiating Intellagama from Physignathus?Both lineages of Water Dragons share membership in which taxonomic family?