John D. Lynch
Systematic Status of a South American Frog, Allophryne ruthveni Gaige
"Systematic Status of a South American Frog, Allophryne ruthveni Gaige" by John D. Lynch and Howard L. Freeman is a scientific publication written in the mid-20th century. The book presents a detailed study on the taxonomic classification and systematic position of the South American frog, Allophryne ruthveni, which was originally described by Gaige in 1926. The work focuses on the ecological and biological characteristics of the species, along with a reevaluation of its family affiliations. The publication provides a comprehensive analysis of the genus Allophryne, discussing its morphological traits, osteology, and classification within the anuran families. Lynch and Freeman build on previous studies and findings, presenting new specimens and observations to clarify the genus's place within the Hylidae family, while also acknowledging the complexities involved in classifying such unique taxa. The authors emphasize the importance of detailed anatomical studies in understanding the relationships among various frog families, underscoring the challenges of taxonomic classification when presented with diverse evolutionary traits, leading to a tentative but informed recommendation regarding the placement of Allophryne within the broader categorization of amphibians.