A supertree approach to shorebird phylogeny

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ornithology
• Phylogenetics

Background:

• The order Charadriiformes (shorebirds) is a valuable model for studying behavior, ecology, and macroevolution.
• Phylogenetic data are crucial for comparative studies to account for evolutionary history.
• Previous phylogenetic hypotheses have not encompassed all recognized shorebird species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct the first fully inclusive supertree for the order Charadriiformes.
• To provide preliminary age estimates for all nodes within the shorebird phylogeny.
• To establish a robust phylogenetic framework for future evolutionary research on shorebirds.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the matrix representation with parsimony (MRP) method.
• Constructed a supertree incorporating all recognized species of Charadriiformes.
• Estimated divergence times for phylogenetic nodes.

Main Results:

• Identified three primary lineages: plovers and allies, gulls and allies, and sandpipers and allies.
• A 50% majority-rule consensus tree suggests sandpipers are sister to gulls, with plovers at the base.
• The resulting topology aligns with recent molecular phylogenetic studies of shorebirds.

Conclusions:

• This supertree represents the most complete phylogenetic hypothesis for extant shorebirds to date.
• The supertree offers a valuable framework for testing evolutionary hypotheses regarding shorebird diversity in behavior, ecology, and life history.
• Despite potential supertree limitations, this hypothesis is crucial for advancing Charadriiformes research.