Phylogeny and evolution of the Meliphagoidea, the largest radiation of Australasian songbirds.

摘要: The Meliphagoidea comprises the largest radiation of Australasian passerines. Here we present first detailed molecular phylogenetic analysis its families and genera, particularly Acanthizidae, using sequences from nine gene regions including both mitochondrial nuclear DNA. Our results support some suggested relationships but challenge other groupings, in Meliphagidae Acanthizidae. Maluridae is sister to all members superfamily. With appropriate taxon sampling multilocus data, provide strong evidence supporting earlier recognition bristlebirds, Dasyornis, as a separate family, Dasyornithidae. We further clarify position Acanthizidae + Pardalotidae Meliphagidae. thus retention family arbitrary. meliphagid genus Lichenostomus polyphyletic. find no for current subfamily structure within recognise clade that includes Sericornithinae excluding Oreoscopus Acanthornis. Subfamily Acanthizinae paraphyletic. Surprisingly, Tasmanian island endemic Acanthornis magna mesic habitats Aphelocephala whitefaces mainland Australian xeric zones. This one several unexpected alignments taxa sisters probably reflects age Meliphagoidea. radiations New Guinean