Biological correlates of description date in carnivores and primates

摘要: Aim  To examine which aspects of primates and carnivore biology can be used to predict attributes species yet discovered. Location  Global. Methods  Multiple regressions phylogenetically independent contrasts non-phylogenetic date description, on multiple biological predictor variables, formed from previous hypotheses tested in the literature. Results  Orders differ, but both primate with a large geographical range tend have been discovered earlier. When is controlled for, body mass also significantly correlated description carnivores, remains poor primates. No multiple-predictor model apparent primates, diurnal are average more likely described first. Carnivores not endemic tropics earlier, reflecting northern bias patterns. Main conclusions  Geographical by far most important variable. The study may ramifications for conservation hotspot selection: possessing small least described, heavily weighted some selection algorithms.