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Phylogeny

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A Practical Guide to Phylogenetics for Nonexperts

A Practical Guide to Phylogenetics for Nonexperts

Published on: February 6, 2014

Phylogeny can make the mid-domain effect an inappropriate null model.

T Jonathan Davies¹, Richard Grenyer, John L Gittleman

¹Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA. jdavies@virginia.edu

Biology Letters

|December 7, 2006

Summary

The mid-domain effect (MDE) may not be a reliable ecological null model. Phylogenetic history, not just geography, influences species distribution patterns, causing deviations from MDE predictions.

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Area of Science:

Macro-ecology
Phylogenetics
Biogeography

Background:

The mid-domain effect (MDE) describes a bias in species richness towards geographical midpoints.
MDE is commonly used as a null model in macro-ecological studies to identify interesting patterns.
Current MDE mechanisms assume species range locations are independent of evolutionary history.

Purpose of the Study:

To critically evaluate the assumption of evolutionary independence in MDE models.
To investigate how phylogenetic processes influence species range locations and MDE.
To determine the conditions under which MDE is a valid ecological null model.

Main Methods:

Developed a simulation model incorporating phylogenetic processes.
Simulated species range locations based on evolutionary history.
Analyzed the relationship between phylogenetic imbalance and departure from MDE.

Main Results:

Phylogenetic processes can cause range locations to depart from MDE predictions.
The degree of departure from MDE is positively correlated with phylogenetic imbalance (tree shape).
Deviations from MDE do not require a departure from equal-rates speciation models.

Conclusions:

The MDE's assumption of evolutionary independence is a significant limitation.
Phylogenetic history plays a crucial role in shaping species distributions.
MDE is only a suitable ecological null model when phylogenetic influence on range location is minimal or absent.