The evolution of a tropical biodiversity hotspot
December 1, 2020
The role of the environment in the origin of new species has long been debated. Harvey et al.examined the evolutionary history and species diversity of suboscine birds in the tropics (see the Perspective by Morlon). Contrary to expectations that the tropics have higher rates of speciation, the authors observed that higher and more constant speciation rates occur in harsh environments relative to the tropics. Thus, for this group of birds, diversification in temperate to Arctic regions followed by the movement and retention of species in the tropics results in their higher local levels of species diversity.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2020 |
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Title | The evolution of a tropical biodiversity hotspot |
DOI | 10.1126/science.aaz6970 |
Authors | Michael G Harvey, Gustavo A Bravo, Santiago Claramunt, Andres M Cuervo, Graham E Derryberry, Jaqueline Battilana, Glenn F Seeholzer, Jessica Shearer McKay, Brian C. O'Meara, Brant C Faircloth, Scott V Edwards, Jorge Perez-Eman, Robert G Moyle, Frederick H. Sheldon, Alexandre Aleixo, Brian T Smith, Terry Chesser, Luis F Silveira, Joel Cracraft, Robb T Brumfield, Elizabeth P Derryberry |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Science |
Index ID | 70216933 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |