Abstract
The distribution of ecological and evolutionary forces throughout space bring about the patterning of biodiversity. In large geographical areas, this causes the regionalization of biodiversity into structured units known as bioregions. We use tree species to analyze the global distribution of biodiversity. Using a data-driven approach, we analyse the evolutionary relationships between tree species in different bioregions and identify the presence of an intermediate ‘bridge’ region that spans both tropical and temperate regions, harboring evolutionarily similar species. We show that bridge regions are essential stepping-stones in colonization of species between distinct climatic zones, as well as important sources of species diversification. Our study shows how the accurate delineation of evolutionary structures of biodiversity can reveal previously cryptic regions with fundamental evolutionary roles in the formation of biodiveristy patterns.
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Ecology, Evolution, Bioregions, Conservation
