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Finding Evolutionary Processes Hidden in Cryptic Species.

Torsten H Struck1, Jeffrey L Feder2, Mika Bendiksby3

  • 1Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.

Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|December 16, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Cryptic species, often overlooked, are identified by low morphological differences despite significant genetic divergence. This study proposes a framework to better understand their evolutionary role and biodiversity contribution.

Keywords:
biodiversityconvergencegenetic divergenceparallelismphenotypic stasistaxonomy

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Area of Science:

  • Biodiversity research
  • Evolutionary biology
  • Taxonomy

Background:

  • Cryptic species represent a significant portion of global biodiversity.
  • Inconsistent definitions and taxonomic treatments hinder accurate biodiversity estimates and understanding of cryptic species' evolutionary significance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a conceptual framework for recognizing cryptic species.
  • To improve the estimation of cryptic species' contribution to biodiversity.
  • To enhance the understanding of their evolutionary and ecological roles.

Main Methods:

  • Defining cryptic species based on low phenotypic disparity relative to genetic differentiation and divergence times.
  • Comparing cryptic species with non-cryptic species using these criteria.
  • Discussing the application of a rigorous definition in taxonomic practice.

Main Results:

  • A framework is proposed to identify cryptic species using both morphological and genetic data.
  • This approach distinguishes cryptic species from non-cryptic ones based on disparity and divergence.
  • The framework facilitates more accurate prevalence estimates and distribution analyses.

Conclusions:

  • A rigorous definition of cryptic species is crucial for accurate biodiversity assessments.
  • Implementing this framework will improve understanding of cryptic species' evolutionary processes and distribution.
  • This will lead to better insights into their ecological significance and evolutionary history.