Diversification and extinction of Hemiptera in deep time

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Paleontology
• Insect Ecology

Background:

• The diversification of insect orders, especially the "Big Four" (Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera), is well-studied.
• The fifth most diverse insect order, Hemiptera, has been relatively overlooked despite its rich fossil record and ecological importance.
• Hemiptera's close association with host plants makes them ideal for studying ecological shifts' impact on diversification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the diversification dynamics of Hemiptera using their fossil record.
• To understand how past ecological and floral changes influenced Hemiptera evolution.
• To refine understanding of diversification patterns in major hemipteran lineages.

Main Methods:

• Utilized birth-death models within a Bayesian framework.
• Incorporated the extensive fossil record of Hemiptera.
• Analyzed diversity dynamics in relation to global flora changes and faunal turnovers.

Main Results:

• Global flora changes significantly shaped Hemiptera evolutionary trajectories.
• Diversification was strongly influenced by the Permo-Triassic mass extinction aftermath and the Angiosperm Terrestrial Revolution.
• Floristic shifts and competitive pressures from overlapping ecological niches drove Hemiptera clade diversification.

Conclusions:

• Ecological shifts, particularly floral turnovers, are key drivers of insect diversification.
• The study highlights the importance of considering overlooked insect groups like Hemiptera for a comprehensive understanding of evolutionary history.
• Hemiptera diversification patterns provide insights into macroevolutionary responses to major environmental changes.