Data from: How mountains shape biodiversity: the role of the Andes in biogeography, diversification, and reproductive biology in South America's most species‐rich lizard radiation (Squamata: Liolaemidae)

Testing hypotheses on the drivers of clade evolution and trait
diversification provides insight into many aspects of evolutionary
biology. Often, studies investigate only the intrinsic biological
properties of organisms as the causes of diversity, however extrinsic
properties of a clade’s environment, particularly geological history, may
also offer compelling explanations. The Andes are a young mountain chain
known to have shaped many aspects of climate and diversity of South
America. The Liolaemidae are a radiation of South American reptiles with
over 300 species found across all biomes and with similar numbers of
egg-laying and live-bearing species. Using the most complete dated
phylogeny of the family, we tested the role of Andean uplift in the
biogeography, diversification patterns, and parity mode of the
Liolaemidae. We find that the Andes has promoted lineage diversification
and acted as a species pump into surrounding biomes. We also find strong
support for the role of Andean uplift in boosting the species diversity of
these lizards via allopatric fragmentation. Finally, we find repeated
shifts in parity mode associated with changing thermal niches, with
live-bearing favored in cold climates and egg-laying favoured in warm
climates. Importantly, we find evidence for possible reversals to
oviparity, an evolutionary transition believed to be extremely rare.