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opencc-zeroAug 2020View details →

Data from: Disentangling the fundamental branching patterns of phylogenetic divergence to refine eco-phylogenetic analyses

Aim: Previous studies have shown that phylogenetic divergence (i.e. the average phylogenetic displacement between species in a community) is highly sensitive to the underlying branching patterns of phylogenies, suggesting that there is a need to integrate both facets of phylogenic information to obtain a better understanding of assemblage structure. Here, we formally conceptualize the three fundamental branching patterns that can drive phylogenetic divergence, and propose a method to identify their signature in the communities based on the MPD (mean pairwise distance) metric. Location: Global. Taxa: All. Methods: Our approach consists on the joint interpretation of two MPD-derived metrics that summarize the differential contribution of individual phylogenetic branches to the observed divergence, which serves to evaluate to what extent the later emerges from contrasting branching patterns. We conduct simulation analyses to compare our two metrics with eight classical descriptors of phylogenetic structure, and use multi-strata tropical plant communities along a gradient of land-use intensity (LUI) to further illustrate our method. Results: As expected, our metrics correlated to some extent with the classical descriptors of phylogenetic structure, although the relationships were complex and varied systematically with species richness and the specific combination of metric values considered. Consequently, the information provided by our two indexes was only partially captured by their most correlated classical descriptors. We detected differential signatures of the fundamental branching patterns in our real-world dataset, either across vegetation strata and also within strata along the LUI gradient, which provided greater insight into potential assembly mechanisms. Main conclusions: While the sole use of phylogenetic divergence may lead to spurious interpretations in eco-phylogenetic studies, our approach can help to obtain a better understanding of assemblage structure by systematically analyzing phylogenetic divergence in the light of its fundamental branching patterns.

opencc-zeroDec 2013View details →

Data from: Phylogenetic informativeness reconciles ray-finned fish molecular divergence times

Discordance among individual molecular age estimates, or between molecular age estimates and the fossil record, is observed in many clades across the Tree of Life. This discordance is attributed to a variety of variables including calibration age uncertainty, calibration placement, nucleotide substitution rate heterogeneity, or the specified molecular clock model. However, the impact of changes in phylogenetic informativeness of individual genes over time on phylogenetic inferences is rarely analyzed. Using nuclear and mitochondrial sequence data for ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii) as an example, we extend the utility of phylogenetic informativeness profiles to predict the time intervals when nucleotide substitution saturation results in discordance among molecular ages estimated. Results: We demonstrate that even with identical calibration regimes and molecular clock methods, mitochondrial based molecular age estimates are systematically older than those estimated from nuclear sequences. This discordance is most severe for highly nested nodes corresponding to more recent (i.e., Jurassic-Recent) divergences. By removing data deemed saturated, we reconcile the competing age estimates and highlight that the older mtDNA based ages were driven by nucleotide saturation. Conclusions: Homoplasious site patterns in a DNA sequence alignment can systematically bias molecular divergence time estimates. Our study demonstrates that PI profiles can provide a non-arbitrary criterion for data exclusion to mitigate the influence of homoplasy on time calibrated branch length estimates. Analyses of actinopterygian molecular clocks demonstrate that scrutiny of the time scale on which sequence data is informative is a fundamental, but generally overlooked, step in molecular divergence time estimation.

opencc-zeroDec 2012View details →

Data from: Hemocyanin gene family evolution in spiders (Araneae), with implications for phylogenetic relationships and divergence times in the infraorder Mygalomorphae

Hemocyanins are multimeric copper-containing hemolymph proteins involved in oxygen binding and transport in all major arthropod lineages. Most arachnids have seven primary subunits (encoded by paralogous genes a–g), which combine to form a 24-mer (4 × 6) quaternary structure. Within some spider lineages, however, hemocyanin evolution has been a dynamic process with extensive paralog duplication and loss. We have obtained hemocyanin gene sequences from numerous representatives of the spider infraorders Mygalomorphae and Araneomorphae in order to infer the evolution of the hemocyanin gene family and estimate spider relationships using these conserved loci. Our hemocyanin gene tree is largely consistent with the previous hypotheses of paralog relationships based on immunological studies, but reveals some discrepancies in which paralog types have been lost or duplicated in specific spider lineages. Analyses of concatenated hemocyanin sequences resolved deep nodes in the spider phylogeny and recovered a number of clades that are supported by other molecular studies, particularly for mygalomorph taxa. The concatenated data set is also used to estimate dates of higher-level spider divergences and suggests that the diversification of extant mygalomorphs preceded that of extant araneomorphs. Spiders are diverse in behavior and respiratory morphology, and our results are beneficial for the comparative analyses of spider respiration. Lastly, the conserved hemocyanin sequences allow for the inference of spider relationships and ancient divergence dates.

opencc-zeroDec 2015View details →

Data from: Phylogenetic analyses reveal molecular signatures associated with functional divergence among Subtilisin like Serine Proteases are linked to lifestyle transitions in Hypocreales

Background: Subtilisin-like serine proteases or Subtilases in fungi are important for penetration and colonization of host. In Hypocreales, these proteins share several properties with other fungal, bacterial, plant and mammalian homologs. However, adoption of specific roles in entomopathogenesis may be governed by attainment of unique biochemical and structural features during the evolutionary course. Due to such functional shifts Subtilases coded by different family members of Hypocreales acquire distinct features according to respective hosts and lifestyle. We conducted phylogenetic and DIVERGE analyses and identified important protein residues that putatively assign functional specificity to Subtilases in fungal families/species under the order Hypocreales. Results: A total of 161 Subtilases coded by 10 species from five different families under the fungal order Hypocreales was included in the analysis. Based on the presence of conserved domains, the Subtilase genes were divided into three subfamilies, Subtilisin (S08.005), Proteinase K (S08.054) and Serine-carboxyl peptidases (S53.001). These subfamilies were investigated for phylogenetic associations, protein residues under positive selection and functional divergence among paralogous clades. The observations were co-related with the life-styles of the fungal families/species. Phylogenetic and Divergence analyses of Subtilisin (S08.005) and Proteinase K (S08.054) families of proteins revealed that the paralogous clades were clear-cut representation of familial origin of the protein sequences. We observed divergence between the paralogous clades of plant-pathogenic fungi (Nectriaceae), insect-pathogenic fungi (Cordycipitaceae/Clavicipitaceae) and nematophagous fungi (Ophiocordycipitaceae). In addition, Subtilase genes from the nematode-parasitic fungus Purpureocillium lilacinum made a unique cluster which putatively indicated that the fungus might have developed distinctive mechanisms for nematode-pathogenesis. Our evolutionary genetics analysis revealed evidence of positive selection on the Subtilisin (S08.005) and Proteinase K (S08.054) protein sequences of the entomopathogenic and nematophagous species belonging to Cordycipitaceae, Clavicipitaceae and Ophiocordycipitaceae families of Hypocreales. Conclusions: Our study provided new insights into the evolution of Subtilisin like serine proteases in Hypocreales, a fungal order largely consisting of biological control species. Subtilisin (S08.005) and Proteinase K (S08.054) proteins seemed to play important roles during life style modifications among different families and species of Hypocreales. Protein residues found significant in functional divergence analysis in the present study may provide support for protein engineering in future.

opencc-zeroDec 2008View details →

Data from: Morphology, fossils, divergence timing, and the phylogenetic relationships of Gavialis

Although morphological data have historically favored a basal position for the Indian gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) within Crocodylia and a Mesozoic divergence between Gavialis and all other crocodylians, several recent molecular data sets have argued for a sister-group relationship between Gavialis and the Indonesian false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii) and a divergence between them no earlier than the Late Tertiary. Fossils were added to a matrix of 164 discrete morphological characters and subjected to parsimony analysis. When morphology was analyzed alone, Gavialis was the sister taxon of all other extant crocodylians whether or not fossil ingroup taxa were included, and a sister-group relationship between Gavialis and Tomistoma was significantly less parsimonious. In combination with published sequence and restriction site fragment data, Gavialis was the sister taxon of all other living crocodylians, but the position of Tomistoma depended on the inclusion of fossil ingroup taxa; with or without fossils, preferred morphological and molecular topologies were not significantly different. Fossils closer to Gavialis than to Tomistoma can be recognized in the Late Cretaceous, and fossil relatives of Tomistoma are known from the basal Eocene, strongly indicating a divergence long before the Late Tertiary. Comparison of minimum divergence time from the fossil record with different measures of molecular distance indicates evolutionary rate heterogeneity within Crocodylia. Fossils strongly contradict a post-Oligocene divergence between Gavialis and any other living crocodylian, but the phylogenetic placement of Gavialis is best viewed as unresolved.

opencc-zeroDec 2021View details →

Data from: The legacy of Eastern Mediterranean mountain uplifts – rapid disparity of phylogenetic niche conservatism and divergence in mountain vipers

Aim The orogeny of the eastern Mediterranean region has substantially affected ecological speciation patterns, particularly of mountain-dwelling species. Mountain vipers of the genus Montivipera are among the paramount examples of Mediterranean neo-endemism, with restricted ranges in the mountains of Anatolia, the Levant, Caucasus, Alborz, and Zagros. Here we explore the phylogenetic and ecological diversification of Montivipera to reconstruct its ecological niche evolution and biogeographic history. Location Eastern Mediterranean mountain ecosystems Methods Using 177 sequences of three mitochondrial genes, a dated molecular phylogeny of mountain vipers was reconstructed. Based on 320 occurrence points within the entire range of the genus and six climatic variables, ecological niches were modelled and used to infer ancestral niche occupancy. In addition, the biogeographic history and ancestral states of the species were reconstructed across climate gradients. Results Dated phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that the ancestor of mountain vipers split into two major clades at around 12.18 Mya followed by multiple vicariance events due to rapid orogeny. Montivipera colonised coastal regions from a mountain-dwelling ancestor. We detected a highly complex ecological niche evolution of mountain vipers to temperature seasonality measured by means of a strong phylogenetic signal. Conclusion Raising mountain belts in the Eastern Mediterranean region and subsequent remarkable changes in temperature seasonality have led to the formation of important centres of diversification and endemism in this biodiversity hotspot. High rates of niche conservatism, low genetic diversity, and segregation of ranges into the endemic distribution negatively influenced the adaptive capacity of mountain vipers. We suggest that these species should be considered as evolutionary significant units and priority species for conservation in Mediterranean mountain ecosystems.

opennotspecifiedJul 2015View details →

FIGURE 6 in The glandulous Specklinia: morphological convergence versus phylogenetic divergence

FIGURE 6. General distribution map of the glandulous species of Specklinia. Edited by D. Bogarín.

opencc-zeroSep 2021View details →

Phylogenetic signatures of ecological divergence and leapfrog adaptive radiation in Espeletia

PREMISE: Events of accelerated species diversification represent one of Earth's most celebrated evolutionary outcomes. Northern Andean high-elevation ecosystems, or páramos, host some plant lineages that have experienced the fastest diversification rates, likely triggered by ecological opportunities created by mountain uplifts, local climate shifts and key trait innovations. However, the mechanisms behind rapid speciation into the new adaptive zone provided by these opportunities have long remained unclear. METHODS: We address this issue by studying the Venezuelan clade of Espeletia, a species-rich group of páramo-endemics showing a dazzling ecological and morphological diversity. We performed a number of comparative analyses to study both lineage and trait diversification, using an updated molecular phylogeny of this plant group. KEY RESULTS: We showed that sets of either vegetative or reproductive traits have conjointly diversified in Espeletiaalong different vegetation belts, leading to adaptive syndromes. Diversification in vegetative traits occurred earlier than in reproductive ones. The rate of species and morphological diversification showed a tendency to slow down over time, probably due to diversity dependence. We also found that closely related species exhibit significantly more overlap in their geographic distributions than distantly related taxa, suggesting that most events of ecological divergence occurred at close geographic proximity within páramos. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide compelling support for a scenario of small-scale ecological divergence along multiple ecological niche dimensions, possibly driven by competitive interactions between species, and acting sequentially over time in a leapfrog pattern.

Figures 44-45 from: Jordal B (2013) Deep phylogenetic divergence between Scolytoplatypus and Remansus, a new genus of Scolytoplatypodini from Madagascar (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae). ZooKeys 352: 9-33. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.352.6212

Figures 44-45 - Phylogeny of Scolytoplatypodini. 44 Tree topology resulting from Bayesian analysis of 2902 nucleotide sites from one mitochondrial and three nuclear genes. Posterior probabilities are given above, parsimony bootstrap support below 45 Tree topology resulting from parsimony analysis of 21 morphological characters (Table 2, Appendix).

Figures 32-35 from: Jordal B (2013) Deep phylogenetic divergence between Scolytoplatypus and Remansus, a new genus of Scolytoplatypodini from Madagascar (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae). ZooKeys 352: 9-33. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.352.6212

Figures 32-35 - Remansus sahondrae Jordal, sp. n., female. 32 lateral view 33 frons 34 dorsal view 35 declivity.

Figures 36-39 from: Jordal B (2013) Deep phylogenetic divergence between Scolytoplatypus and Remansus, a new genus of Scolytoplatypodini from Madagascar (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae). ZooKeys 352: 9-33. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.352.6212

Figures 36-39 - Remansus pygmaeus Jordal, sp. n. female. 36 lateral view 37 frons 38 dorsal view 39 declivity.

Figures 20-25 from: Jordal B (2013) Deep phylogenetic divergence between Scolytoplatypus and Remansus, a new genus of Scolytoplatypodini from Madagascar (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae). ZooKeys 352: 9-33. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.352.6212

Figures 20-25 - Scolytoplatypus rugosus Jordal, sp. n. 20 male lateral view 21 male frons 22 male dorsal view 23 male declivity 24 female dorsal view 25 female declivity.

Figures 40-43 from: Jordal B (2013) Deep phylogenetic divergence between Scolytoplatypus and Remansus, a new genus of Scolytoplatypodini from Madagascar (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae). ZooKeys 352: 9-33. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.352.6212

Figures 40-43 - Remansus serratus Jordal, sp. n., male. 40 lateral view 41 frons 42 dorsal view 43 declivity.

Figures 14-19 from: Jordal B (2013) Deep phylogenetic divergence between Scolytoplatypus and Remansus, a new genus of Scolytoplatypodini from Madagascar (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae). ZooKeys 352: 9-33. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.352.6212

Figures 14-19 - Scolytoplatypus hova Schaufuss. 14 male lateral view 15 male frons 16 male dorsal view 17 male declivity 18 female dorsal view 19 female declivity.

Figures 26-31 from: Jordal B (2013) Deep phylogenetic divergence between Scolytoplatypus and Remansus, a new genus of Scolytoplatypodini from Madagascar (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae). ZooKeys 352: 9-33. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.352.6212

Figures 26-31 - Remansus mutabilis (Schedl). 26 male lateral view 27 male frons 28 male dorsal view 29 male declivity 30 female dorsal view 31 female declivity.

Figures 8-13 from: Jordal B (2013) Deep phylogenetic divergence between Scolytoplatypus and Remansus, a new genus of Scolytoplatypodini from Madagascar (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae). ZooKeys 352: 9-33. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.352.6212

Figures 8-13 - Scolytoplatypus permirus Schaufuss. 8 male lateral view 9 male frons 10 male dorsal view 11 male declivity 12 female dorsal view 13 female declivity.

Figures 1-7 from: Jordal B (2013) Deep phylogenetic divergence between Scolytoplatypus and Remansus, a new genus of Scolytoplatypodini from Madagascar (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae). ZooKeys 352: 9-33. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.352.6212

Figures 1-7 - Diagnostic characters for Scolytoplatypus and Remansus. 1 Location of mycangia on the pronotum of Scolytoplatypus hova and 2 Remansus pygmaeus 3 male protibiae of Scolytoplatypus rugosus 4 Remansus serratus and 5 Remansus mutabilis 6 posterior part of pronotum and scutellum in Scolytoplatypus permirus and 7 Remansus mutabilis.

opencc-by-4.0Jun 2015View details →

Figure 4 from: Del Latte L, Bortolin F, Rota-Stabelli O, Fusco G, Bonato L (2015) Molecular-based estimate of species number, phylogenetic relationships and divergence times for the genus Stenotaenia (Chilopoda, Geophilomorpha) in the Italian region. In: Tuf IH, Tajovský K (Eds) Proceedings of the 16th International Congress of Myriapodology, Olomouc, Czech Republic. ZooKeys 510: 31-47. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.510.8808

Figure 4 - Dated phylogeny. Estimates of divergence time, calculated using 28S sequences and two priors (age of the root and substitution rate) in the package BEAST v1.7.2 (see text). 95% High Posterior Density intervals are represented by coloured bars for the most robust nodes, emphasized by a circle. Greek letters refer to the species tentatively recognised (see Fig. 1). The tree has the same topology of the concatenated ML tree of Fig. 3, but for the position of Tuoba sydneyensis and the relationships within the group formed by species β, ε, γ and the specimen from Iran. The specimen from Volpago (species δ) is absent because its 28S sequence was not obtained. Time scale is different in the two intervals 0–100 and 100–200 Ma.