The Phalangeal Formula of Hemidactylus Oken, 1817 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae): A Correction and a Functional Explanation

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Abstract
This paper points out a situation in which a particular phalangeal modification in the genus Hemidactylus has been constantly interpreted in an erroneous manner. Conclusions about the actual situation result from the study of a wide range of genera and the modifications discussed may be utilized to set aside a particular assemblage of gekkonine geckos on the basis of the possession of a particular set of synapomorphies. The functional significance of this particular suite of modifications is considered and its probable evolutionary origin outlined. It is pointed out that particular phalangeal modifications are better indicators of phylogenetic affinity than are simple phalangeal counts.