BATS, CLOCKS, AND ROCKS: DIVERSIFICATION PATTERNS IN CHIROPTERA

摘要: Identifying nonrandom clade diversification is a critical first step toward understanding the evolutionary processes underlying any radiation and how best to preserve future phylogenetic diversity. However, differences in rates have not been quantitatively assessed for majority of groups because lack necessary analytical tools (e.g., complete species-level phylogenies, estimates divergence times, robust statistics which incorporate uncertainty test appropriate null models growth). Here, time, we investigate rate heterogeneity one largest studied thus far, bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera). We use recent, statistical approach (whole-tree likelihood-based relative tests) on dated supertree phylogenies. As has demonstrated previously most other groups, among-lineage within constant. show that bat more heterogeneous than mammalian clades far studied. The whole-tree tests suggest families Phyllostomidae Molossidae underwent number significant changes rate. There also some evidence shifts Pteropodidae, Emballonuridae, Rhinolophidae, Hipposideridae, Vespertilionidae, but significance these depends polytomy resolution each family. Diversification constant, with occurring 30-50 million years ago, time overlapping greatest flowering plant rates.