Taxonomy and phylogenetic systematics of the Indo-Pacific whip-tailed stingray genus Himantura Muller & Henle 1837 (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae)

This thesis includes two main sections, a general discussion, and conclusion. In Section 1 (Systematics), taxonomic methods for the taxonomic revision are outlined in Chapter 2, and character analysis for the morphological phylogenetic inference outlined in Chapter 3. The application of molecular techniques (DNA sequencing using Polymerase Chain Reaction) for phylogenetic inference is given in Chapter 4. In Section 2 (Taxonomy), a taxonomic account, including a key to species and species description of the Indo-Pacific whip-tailed stingray based on the results of Chapters 3 and 4 in Section 1, is given (Chapter 5). A general discussion (Chapter 6) and conclusion (Chapter 7) is based on the overall result of the study. Except for Chapter 2, each chapter under the main sections are self-contained in that the results and discussion are given under the same chapter heading. The thesis is presented in two volumes, and combined into one bound copy: Volume I contains Chapters 1-4; Volume II contains Chapters 5-7, References, Tables (if not already included in the text) and Appendices.