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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
08:57
Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin
Published on: August 14, 2018
Reinventing species selection with molecular phylogenies
Daniel L Rabosky1, Amy R McCune
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. DLR32@cornell.edu
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|September 11, 2009
Summary
Species selection, driven by heritable differences in speciation and extinction rates, significantly shapes macroevolutionary trends. Modern phylogenetic studies confirm its crucial role in biological diversity and trait evolution.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Macroevolution
- Phylogenetics
Background:
- Species selection, a macroevolutionary process, has historically been viewed as philosophical.
- It occurs when lineages exhibit heritable differences in speciation/extinction rates, independent of within-population fitness.
- Recent advancements necessitate a re-evaluation of its significance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the growing body of literature on species diversification rates.
- To argue for the importance of species selection as a driver of macroevolutionary trends.
- To highlight how species selection influences biological diversity and trait distributions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of recent literature on species diversification rates.
- Inference of diversification rates from molecular phylogenies.
- Conceptual synthesis of multi-level selection theory.
Main Results:
- Variation in species diversification rates is increasingly documented.
- Phylogenetic studies provide empirical support for species selection.
- Species selection demonstrably impacts the evolution of biodiversity and phenotypic traits.
Conclusions:
- Species selection is a key process in macroevolution, not merely philosophical.
- Understanding species selection is crucial for explaining macroevolutionary patterns.
- Recognizing multi-level selection clarifies trait-influenced speciation and extinction mechanisms.
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