LOSS AND RE-EVOLUTION OF COMPLEX LIFE CYCLES IN MARSUPIAL FROGS: DOES ANCESTRAL TRAIT RECONSTRUCTION MISLEAD?

摘要: Using phylogeny-based methods to identify evolutionary transitions has become an integral part of biology. Here, we demonstrate the potential for these give statistically well-supported but misleading inferences about character evolution. We also show how evolution can be informed using GIS-based reconstruct ancestral environmental regimes. a phylogeny marsupial frogs (Hemiphractidae) nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences estimate patterns life-history across resulting tree. find that Gastrotheca species with complex life cycles (i.e., egg, tadpole, adult stages) are phylogenetically nested among genera direct development egg stages only). Assuming single rate gains losses in likelihood reconstructions, there is strong statistical support hypothesis tadpole stage was lost early reappeared within Gastrotheca. different rates gain loss, model significantly higher support, seems have been multiple times never regained. Given both hypotheses cannot correct, at least one reconstruction must giving results. Several lines evidence (including reconstructions climatic regime) suggest former evolved from Gastrotheca, only known case such reversal frogs.