Which genus classifies the Asian Water Dragon, Physignathus cocincinus?
Answer
Physignathus
The Asian Water Dragon, scientifically named *Physignathus cocincinus*, is placed within the genus *Physignathus*. This classification groups it with other related agamid lizards native to Southeast Asia. This genus designation contrasts specifically with the Australian lineage, which, following recent taxonomic revisions based on genetic and morphological differences, was moved to the distinct genus *Intellagama*. The maintenance of *Physignathus* for the Asian species highlights the recognized evolutionary divergence between the two major groups commonly known as Water Dragons, even though they share broader classifications like the Order Squamata and Family Agamidae.
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?