Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Publication Date
2-2011
Publisher
Wiley
Source Publication
Journal of Evolutionary Biology
Source ISSN
1010-061X
Abstract
Geckos in the Western Hemisphere provide an excellent model to study faunal assembly at a continental scale. We generated a time-calibrated phylogeny, including exemplars of all New World gecko genera, to produce a biogeographic scenario for the New World geckos. Patterns of New World gecko origins are consistent with almost every biogeographic scenario utilized by a terrestrial vertebrate with different New World lineages showing evidence of vicariance, dispersal via temporary land bridge, overseas dispersal, or anthropogenic introductions. We also recovered a strong relationship between clade age and species diversity, with older New World lineages having more species than more recently arrived lineages. Our data provide the first phylogenetic hypothesis for all New World geckos and highlight the intricate origins and ongoing organization of continental faunas. The phylogenetic and biogeographical hypotheses presented here provide an historical framework to further pursue research on the diversification and assembly of the New World herpetofauna.
Recommended Citation
Gamble, Tony; Bauer, A. M.; Colli, G. R.; Greenbaum, E.; Jackman, T. R.; Vitt, Laurie J.; and Simons, Andrew M., "Coming to America: Multiple Origins of New World Geckos" (2011). Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications. 744.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/bio_fac/744
Comments
Accepted version. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, Vol. 24, No. 2 (February 2011) : 231-244. DOI. © 2011 Wiley. Used with permission.
Tony Gamble was affiliated with University of Minnesota at the time of publication.