Is geography an accurate predictor of evolutionary history in the millipede family Xystodesmidae

摘要: For the past several centuries, millipede taxonomists have used morphology of male copulatory structures (modified legs called gonopods), which are strongly variable and suggestive species-level differences, as a source to understand taxon relationships. Millipedes in family Xystodesmidae blind, dispersal-limited narrow habitat requirements. Therefore, geographical proximity may instead be better predictor evolutionary relationship than morphology, especially since gonopodal anatomy is extremely divergent similarities masked by convergence. Here we provide phylogenetics-based test power morphological versus character sets for resolving phylogenetic relationships xystodesmid millipedes. Molecular data from 90 species-group taxa were included six-gene analysis basis comparing trees generated these alternative sets. The molecular phylogeny was compared topologies representing three hypotheses: (1) prior classification formulated using data, (2) hierarchical groupings derived Euclidean distance, (3) one based solely on data. distance not found classification, latter most similar topology. However, all highly (Bayes factor >10) topology, with tree inferred exclusively being divergent. results this show that high degree convergence substantial gonopod shape divergence spurious These indicate impact homoplasy had treatments family. Using our analysis, make changes family, including transferring rare state-threatened species Sigmoria whiteheadi Shelley, 1986 genus Apheloria Chamberlin, 1921-a readily apparent alone. We while differences premier taxonomic characters diagnose pairwise, traits should viewed critically features uniting higher levels.