Molecules, ecology, morphology, and songs in concert: how many species is Arremon torquatus (Aves: Emberizidae)?

摘要: The acceptance of the generalized or unified concept species (i.e. that are segments population lineages) implies an important task for systematists is to focus on identifying lineages and testing hypotheses about acquisition properties such as phenotypic diagnosability, reciprocal monophyly, mechanisms reproductive isolation. However, delimiting objectively remains one most challenging problems faced by biologists. In present study, we begin tackle thorny issue delimitation in a complicated group Neotropical passerine birds (the Arremon torquatus complex, Emberizidae) which sets characters vary substantially across space, but do not obviously concerted fashion. To earlier discussions limits group, add historical perspective offered recent molecular phylogeny, quantitative analyses morphological vocal variation, incorporate ecological niche models new tool aids highlighting cases distinctiveness where populations appear be independent evolutionary trajectories, despite being connected environments unlikely represent barriers gene flow. We demonstrate at least pair taxa (and likely another) currently treated conspecific are, fact, distinct merit status under essentially any criterion. other pairwise comparisons straightforward owing nonconcordant patterns variation different traits impossibility distinguishing causes consequences evolutionary) After considering several alternatives, propose provisional classification complex recognizing eight tentative species-level taxa. Although this change more detailed work conducted, it provides better foundation studying biology these helps describe their diversity, obscured when all subsumed into single name. study highlights outstanding challenges, both practical conceptual, future studies. © 2010 Linnean Society London, Biological Journal Society, 2010, 99, 152–176.