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Phylogenetic comparative approaches for studying niche conservatism.
N Cooper1, W Jetz, R P Freckleton
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA. nataliecooper@fas.harvard.edu
Journal of Evolutionary Biology
|October 23, 2010
Summary
Phylogenetic niche conservatism (PNC) analyses require clear evolutionary models. This study outlines five models and links them to phylogenetic comparative methods for better understanding PNC patterns.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Biogeography
Background:
- Phylogenetic niche conservatism (PNC) analyses are increasingly common in evolutionary studies.
- Existing analyses often rely on different, sometimes unstated, assumptions about evolutionary mechanisms driving niche conservatism.
- A clear understanding of the underlying macroevolutionary models is crucial for accurate PNC interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the diverse macroevolutionary models that can generate patterns of phylogenetic niche conservatism.
- To link these models with appropriate phylogenetic comparative methods.
- To provide practical guidance for researchers conducting PNC analyses.
Main Methods:
- Review and categorization of five distinct macroevolutionary models for PNC: drift, niche retention, phylogenetic inertia, niche filling/shifting, and evolutionary rates.
- Association of each model with relevant published phylogenetic comparative methods.
- Inclusion of recent literature examples to illustrate practical applications.
Main Results:
- Identification of five key macroevolutionary models underlying PNC.
- Matching of specific analytical methods to each model.
- Provision of a framework for selecting appropriate methods based on the hypothesized evolutionary scenario.
Conclusions:
- Clearer understanding of the evolutionary basis of PNC patterns is needed.
- Explicitly referencing macroevolutionary models improves the rigor of PNC analyses.
- This work provides a valuable resource for researchers aiming to better understand niche conservatism in their study systems.
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