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How did genetic studies change the classification of Sphenodon guntheri and Sphenodon punctatus?
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tuatara
The species is the sole living member of the reptile order Rhynchocephalia.
Previously, scientists recognized two distinct species of tuatara: Sphenodon guntheri and Sphenodon punctatus. However, genetic studies have since demonstrated that these two groups are not separate species but actually belong to the same single species, Sphenodon punctatus.1