Back to Search
Start Over
Convergent evolution of morphological and ecological traits in the open-habitat chat complex (Aves, Muscicapidae: Saxicolinae)
- Source :
-
Molecular Phylogenetics & Evolution . Oct2012, Vol. 65 Issue 1, p35-45. 11p. - Publication Year :
- 2012
-
Abstract
- Abstract: Open-habitat chats (genera Myrmecocichla, Cercomela, Oenanthe and relative) are a morphologically and ecologically cohesive group of genera with unclear phylogenetic relationships. They are distributed mostly in open, arid and/or rocky habitats of Africa and Eurasia. Here, we present the most comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analysis of this group to date, with a complete taxon sampling at the species level. The analysis, based on a multilocus dataset including three mitochondrial and three nuclear loci, allows us to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships and test the traditional generic limits. All genera are non-monophyletic, suggesting extensive convergence on similar plumage patterns in unrelated species. While the colour pattern appear to be a poor predictor of the phylogenetic relationships, some of the ecological and behavioural traits agree relatively well with the major clades. Following our results, we also propose a revised generic classification for the whole group. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 10557903
- Volume :
- 65
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Molecular Phylogenetics & Evolution
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 78277257
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2012.05.011