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Evolutionary dynamics of the elevational diversity gradient in passerine birds
Paul van Els1,2, Leonel Herrera-Alsina3,4, Alex L Pigot5
1Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Nature Ecology & Evolution
|July 23, 2021
Summary
Highlands generate species diversity, but faster dispersal to lowlands creates the global elevational diversity gradient in birds. This highlights the crucial role of highlands in maintaining lowland biodiversity.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Biogeography
Background:
- Global species diversity is concentrated in low-elevation regions.
- High-elevation areas may act as cradles of diversity with rapid speciation.
- The dynamics of elevational diversity gradients are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary dynamics of elevational diversity gradients in passerine birds.
- To model species dispersal between high and low elevations.
- To understand the drivers of global patterns in avian biodiversity.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic diversification modeling.
- Accounting for inter-elevation species dispersal.
- Analysis of passerine bird evolutionary history.
Main Results:
- Passerine birds diversify at similar rates in highlands and lowlands.
- Per-capita dispersal rate from high to low elevations is more than twice the reverse.
- Highlands are disproportionally important for maintaining lowland diversity.
Conclusions:
- Elevational diversity gradients are shaped by dispersal, not just diversification rates.
- Species generated in highlands migrate to lowlands, establishing diversity patterns.
- Highlands play a critical role in sustaining biodiversity in adjacent lowlands.
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