On the Origin of Pantepui montane biotas: A Perspective Based on the Phylogeny of Aulacorhynchus toucanets

摘要: To understand the origin of Pantepui montane biotas, we studied biogeography toucanets in genus Aulacorhynchus. These birds are ideal for analyzing historical relationships among Neotropical regions, given their geographic distribution from Mexico south to Bolivia, including northern Venezuela (Cordillera de la Costa), and Pantepui. Analyses were based on molecular phylogenies using mitochondrial nuclear DNA sequences. Topology tests applied compare alternative hypotheses that may explain current Aulacorhynchus toucanets, context previous biotas. Biogeographic reconstructions RASP Lagrange used estimate ancestral area genus, an analysis BEAST was a time framework its diversification. A sister relationship between Andes+Cordillera Costa significantly more likely than topologies indicating other hypothesis populations. The Andes inferred as Aulacorhynchus, group has diversified since late Miocene. biogeographic patterns found herein, which source biotas consistent with those flowerpiercers tanagers, do not support geologically old montain diversity. Based high potential cryptic speciation isolation populations, consider phylogenetic studies additional taxa important conservation perspective.