On Cryptic Species (an Example of Amphibians)

摘要

Foundational ideas related to the concept of species and the relations they bear to different taxonomic methods are considered The problem of cryptic species is analyzed from an historical perspective. The use of biochemical (molecular) methods and application of the concept of evolutionary species have resulted in an increase in the number of cryptic species in different groups of animals. Based on kinship, three categories of morphologically similar species (sibling species, dual species, and the ancestor-descendant group) have been distinguished. The existence of sympatric, parapatric, and allopatric cryptic species is noted. A brief analysis of methods for revealing cryptic species is made using the example of amphibians. Some cases of cryptic speciation are described in four groups from the orders of Anura and Urodela in the fauna of Russia and neighboring countries. An underestimation of the importance of cryptic speciation may lead to low estimations of biodiversity and to erroneous strategies of species conservation.