The phylogenetic nomenclature of Caimaninae (Crocodylia: Alligatoroidea)

Abstract

Caimaninae is one of the main clades within alligatoroid crocodylians. Its extant diversityencompasses six species in three genera – Caiman, Melanosuchus and Paleosuchus – and islargely native to South America; the fossil record, in contrast, reveals a far greater diversity,extending from the Late Cretaceous and, although concentrated in South America, also showing notable fossils from Central America, North America and the Caribbean. Systematic and taxonomic research on Caimaninae began in the 18th century, with phylogenetic-based systematics, taxonomy and nomenclature being applied since the 1980s. Following the publication of the International Code of Phylogenetic Nomenclature (PhyloCode), a cojoined effort by aimaninae systematists to standardise the phylogenetic systematics and nomenclature of the group was required, which is the objective of this paper. Herein, we provide phylogenetic definitions for seven clade names: Caimaninae, Bottosauria (new clade name), Caimanini (new clade name), Jacarea, Purussauria (new clade name), Purussauridae (new clade name) and Nettosuchidae. Detailed information on each clade is provided, including taxonomic and evolutionary history, omposition, fossil record, divergence dates, characteristics and previous phylogenetic studies. Our intention with this effort is to provide a stable framework on which to base further research on the diversity of the group at several levels, and to encourage the use of phylogenetic nomenclature in Crocodylia.