Walking, swimming or hitching a ride? Phylogenetics and biogeography of the walking shark genus Hemiscyllium

摘要: It can be challenging to identify the forces that drive speciation in marine environments for organisms are capable of widespread dispersal because their contemporary distributions often belie historical processes were responsible initial diversification. In this contribution we explore likely sequence events radiation walking sharks genus Hemiscyllium using a dated molecular phylogeny. The nine currently recognised species consist small, benthic restricted Indo-Australian Archipelago and show limited at both juvenile adult stages. We discuss how major tectonic changes, sea level fluctuations unique biology may have influenced group, as well current distribution each its constituent species. Phylogeographic analysis combined with biogeographic reconstruction region shows recent during Miocene Pliocene, supports combination vicariance founder modes mediated by tectonic, geological oceanographic processes.