What was the main scientific evidence driving the recognition of *C. lewisi* as a distinct species?

Answer

Mitochondrial DNA analysis indicating different haplotypes

The argument for species elevation was heavily rooted in genetic evidence, specifically mitochondrial DNA analysis conducted by Malone et al. in 2000, which showed distinct haplotypes.

What was the main scientific evidence driving the recognition of *C. lewisi* as a distinct species?
taxonomyclassificationreptileiguana