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Global biogeography since Pangaea
Sarah R N McIntyre1, Charles H Lineweaver2,3, Colin P Groves4
1Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia sarah.mcintyre@anu.edu.au.
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|June 9, 2017
Summary
Continental break-up drove species divergence. Molecular clock dates align with paleomagnetic continental separation dates for 42 vertebrate pairs, supporting vicariance-driven speciation.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Geology
- Molecular Phylogenetics
Background:
- The breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea approximately 180 million years ago (Ma) influenced global species distribution, leading to vicariance-driven speciation.
- Understanding the timing of speciation events is crucial for reconstructing evolutionary history and biogeographic patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test whether molecular clock divergence dates for species separated by continental drift align with paleomagnetic dates of continental separation.
- To investigate the role of vicariance in vertebrate speciation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of phylogenetic divergence dates from 42 pairs of vertebrate taxa with limited dispersal abilities.
- Comparison of molecular clock estimates with paleomagnetic dating of continental landmass separations.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic divergence dates for continent-bound terrestrial and freshwater vertebrates are consistent with paleomagnetic dates of continental separation.
- The findings support the hypothesis that continental fragmentation is a primary driver of speciation in these groups.
Conclusions:
- The breakup of Pangaea and subsequent continental drift provide a reliable timescale for the divergence of many vertebrate species.
- Vicariance resulting from tectonic events is a significant factor in shaping terrestrial and freshwater vertebrate biodiversity.
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