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The rate and pattern of cladogenesis in microbes
Andrew P Martin1, Elizabeth K Costello, Allen F Meyer
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA. am@colorado.edu
Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|June 24, 2004
Summary
Macroevolutionary studies often exclude microbes, limiting evolutionary insights. This research reveals distinct macroevolutionary patterns between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, influenced by lateral gene transfer.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Microbial genomics
- Phylogenetics
Background:
- Macroevolutionary theories have historically excluded microbes, despite their ancient origins and diversity.
- This oversight hinders a comprehensive understanding of evolutionary history.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate macroevolutionary dynamics in microbes.
- To compare macroevolutionary patterns between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
- To explore the role of lateral gene transfer (LGT) in shaping these patterns.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of phylogenetic trees for various microbial groups.
- Comparison of cladogenesis rates between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
- Hypothesizing the impact of vertical versus horizontal gene transfer.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic trees suggest macroevolution differs between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
- Microbial eukaryotes show greater variation in cladogenesis rates than prokaryotes.
- Frequent lateral gene transfer in prokaryotes may impact evolutionary rates.
Conclusions:
- Differences in macroevolutionary dynamics are partly attributed to varying rates of lateral gene transfer.
- Eukaryotes exhibit predominantly vertical inheritance, facilitating heritable variation.
- Prokaryotic lateral gene transfer may homogenize the impact of key innovations, contrasting with eukaryotes.