scholarly journals From Patagonia to Indonesia: plant fossils highlight West Gondwanan legacy in the Malesian flora

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 81-82
Author(s):  
Peter Wilf
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
New World ◽  
New Guinea ◽  
Tropical Rainforests ◽  
Living Fossil ◽  
Plant Fossils ◽  
Biogeographic History ◽  
West Sumatra ◽  
History Of

Rainforests with the chinquapin Castanopsis and the yellowwood conifer Dacrycarpus occur today throughout Indonesia and the larger Malesian ecoregion, but they represent, in part, a history of survival stretching tens of millions of years and thousands of kilometers to the palaeo-Antarctic. Unlike New World and African tropical rainforests, the Malesian flora’s history is closely tied to tectonic introductions from exotic terranes, and thus, much palaeobotanical data about the origins of the Malesian rainforest comes from those terranes. For example, South America, Antarctica, and Australia remained adjacent until the Eocene final separation of Gondwana, and warm climates promoted high-latitude dispersals among those landmasses. Australia’s subsequent northward movement led to the late Oligocene Sahul-Sunda collision and the uplift of New Guinea, allowing the introductions into Malesia of survivor taxa that were once widespread in mesic Gondwanan rainforests. In Patagonian Argentina, the prolific Laguna del Hunco (52.2 Ma) site preserves abundant and well-preserved fossils of an unexpectedly large number of lineages whose living relatives characteristically associate in perhumid, lower montane “oak-laurel” rainforests of Malesia, especially in New Guinea. These taxa include the angiosperms Castanopsis (Fagaceae), Gymnostoma (rhu, Casuarinaceae), Alatonucula (extinct engelhardioid Juglandaceae), Eucalyptus (gums, Myrtaceae), Ceratopetalum (coachwood, Cunoniaceae), Lauraceae (laurel family), and Ripogonum (supplejack, Ripogonaceae); conifers in Cupressaceae (cypress family: Papuacedrus), Araucariaceae (dammars and relatives: Agathis and Araucaria Section Eutacta), and Podocarpaceae (yellowwoods: Dacrycarpus, Podocarpus, and a species similar to Phyllocladus); and the fern Todea (king fern, Osmundaceae). Many of these records are the only occurrences of the respective taxa in South America, living or fossil, vastly extending their past ranges and thus the biogeographic history of part of the Malesian mountain flora. The living-fossil taxa inhabit, and several dominate, critical watershed areas of high endemism and biodiversity in Malesia’s endangered tropical-montane rainforests. In Malesia itself, there have been very few Cenozoic palaeobotanical investigations for about a century or more. To remedy this situation and improve understanding of the evolution of the Malesian flora in situ, we have begun palaeobotanical fieldwork in collaboration with Professor Yahdi Zaim and ITB, along with international colleagues. So far, we have discovered several promising new fossil sites in the Eocene-Oligocene of West Sumatra (Sangkarewang and Sawahlunto formations) and South Kalimantan (Tanjung Formation), and I will report preliminary observations.

scholarly journals Amazonia as the Origin and Diversification Area of Didelphidae (Mammalia: Metatheria), and a Review of the Fossil Record of the Clade

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariela C. Castro ◽  
Murilo J. Dahur ◽  
Gabriel S. Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Amazon Basin ◽  
Parametric Models ◽  
Isthmus Of Panama ◽  
Biogeographic History ◽  
Early Diversification ◽  
Northern Portion ◽  
History Of ◽  
Environmental Events ◽  
Fossil Records

AbstractDidelphidae is the largest New World radiation of marsupials, and is mostly represented by arboreal, small- to medium-sized taxa that inhabit tropical and/or subtropical forests. The group originated and remained isolated in South America for millions of years, until the formation of the Isthmus of Panama. In this study, we present the first reconstruction of the biogeographic history of Didelphidae including all major clades, based on parametric models and stratified analyses over time. We also compiled all the pre-Quaternary fossil records of the group, and contrasted these data to our biogeographic inferences, as well as to major environmental events that occurred in the South American Cenozoic. Our results indicate the relevance of Amazonia in the early diversification of Didelphidae, including the divergence of the major clades traditionally ranked as subfamilies and tribes. Cladogeneses in other areas started in the late Miocene, an interval of intense shifts, especially in the northern portion of Andes and Amazon Basin. Occupation of other areas continued through the Pliocene, but few were only colonized in Quaternary times. The comparison between the biogeographic inference and the fossil records highlights some further steps towards better understanding the spatiotemporal evolution of the clade. Finally, our results stress that the early history of didelphids is obscured by the lack of Paleogene fossils, which are still to be unearthed from low-latitude deposits of South America.

scholarly journals Recent and Rapid Radiation of the Highly Endangered Harlequin Frogs (Atelopus) into Central America Inferred from Mitochondrial DNA Sequences

Diversity ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 360
Author(s):  
Juan Ramírez ◽  
César Jaramillo ◽  
Erik Lindquist ◽  
Andrew Crawford ◽  
Roberto Ibáñez
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Dna ◽  
South America ◽  
Central America ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Central American ◽  
Tree Model ◽  
South American Species ◽  
Biogeographic History ◽  
Museum Samples ◽  
History Of

Populations of amphibians are experiencing severe declines worldwide. One group with the most catastrophic declines is the Neotropical genus Atelopus (Anura: Bufonidae). Many species of Atelopus have not been seen for decades and all eight Central American species are considered “Critically Endangered”, three of them very likely extinct. Nonetheless, the taxonomy, phylogeny, and biogeographic history of Central American Atelopus are still poorly known. In this study, the phylogenetic relationships among seven of the eight described species in Central America were inferred based on mitochondrial DNA sequences from 103 individuals, including decades-old museum samples and two likely extinct species, plus ten South American species. Among Central American samples, we discovered two candidate species that should be incorporated into conservation programs. Phylogenetic inference revealed a ladderized topology, placing species geographically furthest from South America more nested in the tree. Model-based ancestral area estimation supported either one or two colonization events from South America. Relaxed-clock analysis of divergence times indicated that Atelopus colonized Central America prior to 4 million years ago (Ma), supporting a slightly older than traditional date for the closure of the Isthmus. This study highlights the invaluable role of museum collections in documenting past biodiversity, and these results could guide future conservation efforts. An abstract in Spanish (Resumen) is available as supplementary material.

scholarly journals Phylogeny and biogeography of Sumatra´s cloud forest lizards of the genus Dendragama and status of Acanthosaura schneideri

ZooKeys ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 995 ◽  
pp. 127-153
Author(s):  
Kyle J. Shaney ◽  
Michael B. Harvey ◽  
Amir Hamidy ◽  
Nia Kurniawan ◽  
Eric N. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Forest ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Genetic Distances ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Biogeographic Patterns ◽  
Biogeographic History ◽  
West Sumatra ◽  
History Of ◽  
North Sumatra

Lizards of the genus Dendragama are endemic to the highland cloud forests of Sumatra’s Barisan Mountain Range in western Indonesia, and recent studies have uncovered widespread diversity within the genus. Here, a suite of morphological characters and mitochondrial DNA are used to compare three geographically isolated populations of D. boulengeri from (1) Mount Kerinci in Jambi province, (2) Mount Marapi of west Sumatra, and (3) the Karo Highlands of north Sumatra. Additional phylogeographic analyses with two recently described sister species, D. australis and D. dioidema were conducted. Five genetically distinct clades of Dendragama, all distributed allopatrically of one another were identified and some are suspected to inhabit small distributions. Morphological and genetic data confirm the Karo Highlands population D. schneideri (previously Acanthosaura schneideri Ahl, 1926) should be revalidated from the synonymy of D. boulengeri. Dendragama schneideri is endemic to montane forests of the Karo Highlands surrounding Lake Toba in Sumatra Utara province. Pairwise genetic distances of 6–11% separate D. schneideri from congeners. Two distinct clades of D. boulengeri from Mount Kerinci and Mount Marapi were identified, which are 5.0% genetically distant from one another. Using morphological characters, we provide the first key for distinguishing between species of Dendragama. Based on biogeographic patterns and levels of genetic variation it is suspected that at least 18 other isolated cloud forest locations may hold new species or divergent populations of Dendragama but lack survey work. Collectively, these comparisons among populations of montane lizards further elucidate the complex biogeographic history of Sumatra’s montane forest species and the first phylogeny of the genus Dendragama.

First phylogenetic assessment and taxonomic synopsis of the open-holed trapdoor spider genus Namea (Mygalomorphae: Anamidae): a highly diverse mygalomorph lineage from Australia’s tropical eastern rainforests

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Rix ◽  
Jeremy D. Wilson ◽  
Mark S. Harvey
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Allopatric Speciation ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Main Species ◽  
Biogeographic History ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
Australian Continent ◽  
History Of

The tropical and subtropical rainforests of Australia’s eastern mesic zone have given rise to a complex and highly diverse biota. Numerous old endemic, niche-conserved groups persist in the montane rainforests south of Cooktown, where concepts of serial allopatric speciation resulting from the formation of xeric interzones have largely driven our biogeographic understanding of the region. Among invertebrate taxa, studies on less vagile arachnid lineages now complement extensive research on vertebrate taxa, and phylogenetic studies on mygalomorph spiders in particular are revealing significant insights about the biogeographic history of the Australian continent since the Eocene. One mygalomorph lineage entirely endemic to Australia’s tropical and subtropical eastern rainforests is the open-holed trapdoor spider genus Namea Raven, 1984 (family Anamidae). We explore, for the first time, the phylogenetic diversity and systematics of this group of spiders, with the aims of understanding patterns of rainforest diversity in Namea, of exploring the relative roles of lineage overlap versus in situ speciation in driving predicted high levels of congeneric sympatry, and of broadly reconciling morphology with evolutionary history. Original and legacy sequences were obtained for three mtDNA and four nuDNA markers from 151 specimens, including 82 specimens of Namea. We recovered a monophyletic genus Namea sister to the genus Teyl Main, 1975, and monophyletic species clades corresponding to 30 morphospecies OTUs, including 22 OTUs nested within three main species-complex lineages. Remarkable levels of sympatry for a single genus of mygalomorph spiders were revealed in rainforest habitats, with upland subtropical rainforests in south-eastern Queensland often home to multiple (up to six) congeners of usually disparate phylogenetic affinity living in direct sympatry or close parapatry, likely the result of simultaneous allopatric speciation in already co-occurring lineages, and more recent dispersal in a minority of taxa. In situ speciation, in contrast, appears to have played a relatively minor role in generating sympatric diversity within rainforest ‘islands’. At the population level, changes in the shape and spination of the male first leg relative to evolutionary history reveal subtle but consistent interspecific morphological shifts in the context of otherwise intraspecific variation, and understanding this morphological variance provides a useful framework for future taxonomic monography. Based on the phylogenetic results, we further provide a detailed taxonomic synopsis of the genus Namea, formally diagnosing three main species-complexes (the brisbanensis-complex, the dahmsi-complex and the jimna-complex), re-illustrating males of all 15 described species, and providing images of live spiders and burrows where available. In doing so, we reveal a huge undescribed diversity of Namea species from tropical and subtropical rainforest habitats, and an old endemic fauna that is beginning to shed light on more complex patterns of rainforest biogeography.

scholarly journals The search for history in the native Caribbean and South America

2000 ◽  
Vol 74 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 287-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil L. Whitehead
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
New World ◽  
Cambridge University ◽  
Knowing That ◽  
History Of ◽  
Duke University

[First paragraph]Bom to Die: Disease and New World Conquest, 1492-1650. NOBLE D. COOK. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998. 248 pp. (Cloth US$ 54.95, Paper US$ 15.95)An Account of the Antiquities of the Indians. FRAY RAMÓN PANÉ. Edited by José J. Arrom, translated by Susan C. Griswold. Durham: Duke University Press, 1999. 72 pp. (Cloth US$ 39.95, Paper US$ 12.95)Some Recoveries in Guiana Indian Ethnohistory. GERRIT BOS. Amsterdam: VU Uitgeverij, 1998. 361 pp. (Paper NLG 85.00)Each of these three volumes reflects a particular approach to the history of the Native Caribbean and South America, but despite their distinct methodologies and approaches they share a rather restricted view of the historiographical possibilities for knowing that past. None makes use of native testimony, nor do they consider ethnographic materials on native historicity. As such they represent a style of historiographical reasoning that has largely been supplanted by a broad range of archaeological, textual, and ethnographic works which seek to properly integrate these kinds of materials to reveal not just a history of others but others' histories.

Discovering the biogeographic history using predefined areas and explicit geographical data in the South American Liolaemus elongatus group (Iguania: Liolaemidae)

2020 ◽  
pp. 53-68
Author(s):  
Marai Ruiz
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Current Distribution ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
South American ◽  
Phylogenetic Hypothesis ◽  
Ancestral Area ◽  
Geographical Data ◽  
Biogeographic History ◽  
History Of ◽  
Founder Events

The genus Liolaemus includes 268 species, classified in two subgenera, Eulaemus and Liolaemus sensu stricto. The latter is formed by 12 monophyletic groups; one of them being the Liolaemus elongatus group, distributed in South America. We studied the biogeographic history of the L. elongatus group. We obtained a phylogenetic hypothesis recovering five main clades: the L. punmahuida, L. elongatus sensu stricto, L. kriegi, L. petrophilus and L. capillitas clades. Based on that hypothesis we obtained a time calibrated tree. The ancestral ranges were estimated applying three methodologies: DEC, DEC+j (using predefined areas) and GEM (using explicit geographical data). Our results show that the ancestral area of the L. elongatus group was located in central Argentina, and its divergence began around 11.5 Mya. From here, a combination of events (founder events and/or vicariances) led the species to their current distribution. Despite their differences, DEC+j and GEM show congruent results.

New Azana species from Western North America (Diptera: Mycetophilidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 2397 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
PETER H. KERR
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
New World ◽  
Western North America ◽  
World Species ◽  
Biogeographic History ◽  
Fungus Gnats ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
History Of ◽  
Dispersal Events

Two new species of fungus gnats (Diptera: Mycetophilidae), Azana malinamoena and Azana frizzelli, spp. nov., are described and figured from California. These species represent the first records of Azana for western North America. A diagnosis of the genus Azana Walker is presented and a provisional key for the New World species of the genus is given. The discovery of A. malinamoena and A. frizzelli in California and their apparently close relationship to A. nigricoxa Strobl from south-western Europe (rather than to the only other Azana species known from North America, A. sinusa Coher) implies a more complicated biogeographic history of this genus in North America, one that probably includes multiple, independent dispersal events.

scholarly journals Shifts in diversification rates linked to biogeographic movement into new areas, an example of disparate continental distributions and a recent radiation in the Andes

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Uribe-Convers ◽  
David C Tank
Keyword(s):  
New World ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
South American ◽  
The South ◽  
Diversification Rates ◽  
The Andes ◽  
Biogeographic History ◽  
History Of ◽  
Geographic Environment ◽  
American Clade

Premise of the study: Clade specific bursts in diversification are often associated with the evolution of key innovations. However, in groups with no obvious morphological innovations, observed upticks in diversification rates have also been attributed to the colonization of a new geographic environment. In this study, we explore the systematics, diversification dynamics, and historical biogeography of the plant clade Rhinantheae in the Orobanchaceae, with a special focus on the Andean clade of the genus Bartsia L.. Methods: We sampled taxa from across Rhinantheae, including a representative sample of Andean Bartsia species. Using standard phylogenetic methods, we reconstructed evolutionary relationships, inferred divergence times among the clades of Rhinantheae, elucidated their biogeographic history, and investigated diversification dynamics. Key results: We confirmed that the South American Bartsia species form a highly supported monophyletic group. The median crown age of Rhinantheae was determined to be ca. 30 Ma, and Europe played an important role in the biogeographic history of the lineages. South America was first reconstructed in the biogeographic analyses around 9 Ma, and with a median age of 2.59 Ma, this clade shows a significant uptick in diversification. Conclusions: Increased net diversification of the South American clade corresponds with biogeographic movement into the New World. This happened at a time when the Andes were reaching the necessary elevation to host an alpine environment. Although a specific route could not be identified with certainty, we provide plausible hypotheses to how the group colonized the New World.

scholarly journals Palaeontological surveys in Central Sumatra and Bangka

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 50-56
Author(s):  
Julien Louys ◽  
Yahdi Zaim ◽  
Yan Rizal ◽  
Gilbert J. Price ◽  
Aswan Aswan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trace Fossils ◽  
Geological History ◽  
Fluvial Systems ◽  
Fluvial Deposits ◽  
West Sumatra ◽  
History Of ◽  
Central Sumatra

We report on results from surveys undertaken in Sumatra during 2018 and 2019. The surveys had three objectives: (1) to examine, sample, and record the extensive Quaternary fossil deposits from caves in West Sumatra; (2) determine the potential for fluvial deposits in Riau and Jambi provinces; and (3) relocate the fossil proboscidean remains reported from Bangka Island. Our surveys produced several significant results. We mapped three important Padang Highland caves, Ngalau Lida Ajer, Ngalau Sampit, and Ngalau Gupin, locating and sampling the main fossil deposits in each, as well as recording additional caves in the region. Our surveys of the fluvial systems in central-west Sumatra did not reveal any vertebrate Pleistocene deposits but did yield Mio-Pliocene trace fossils. Finally, we relocated elephant fossils from Bangka, but no in situ vertebrate remains could be found. These finds add important new data to the geological history of Sumatra.

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