What is the stated geographic range difference between *J. jacana* and *J. spinosa*?
Answer
*J. jacana* is widespread in South America; *J. spinosa* is in Central America/Mexico
The comparison between two members of the genus *Jacana* highlights the precision required at the species level, even when sharing the characteristic foot structure. The Wattled Jacana, *J. jacana*, has a range described as widespread across large parts of tropical South America. In contrast, the Northern Jacana, *Jacana spinosa*, is taxonomically distinct and occupies a different geographic area, generally ranging from Central America extending northward into Mexico. These differing ranges, along with minor distinctions in wattle color or iris hue, help warrant their separation into distinct species status within the genus.
Related Questions
Which Order includes *Jacana jacana* alongside gulls and plovers?What defines the family Jacanidae based on physical structure?What older binomial nomenclature system referenced *Parra jacana*?What taxonomic feature is exhibited by the name *Jacana jacana*?What function do the long toes of the Jacana serve on aquatic flora?How does the habitat of Jacanidae contrast with many Charadriiformes relatives?Who assigned the specific name *jacana* and in what year?What is the stated geographic range difference between *J. jacana* and *J. spinosa*?What biological implication arises from the Wattled Jacana belonging to Kingdom Animalia?Why is the classification of *Jacana jacana* relevant to its observed habitat in South America?