Gradual Adaptation Toward a Range-Expansion Phenotype Initiated the Global Radiation of Toads

摘要: Recent studies have identified range expansion as a potential driver of speciation. Yet it remains poorly understood how, under identical extrinsic settings, differential tendencies for geographic movement taxa originate and subsequently affect diversification. We multiple traits that predict large distributional ranges in extant species toads (Bufonidae) used statistical methods to define phylogenetically reconstruct an optimal range-expansion phenotype. Our results indicate lineage-specific range-shifting abilities increased through accumulation adaptive culminated such This initiated the episode global colonization triggered major radiation toads. Evolution toward phenotype might be crucial understanding both ancient widespread radiations evolutionary background contemporary invasive cane toad.