Abstract Detail
Systematics Section / ASPT Smith, Stephen A. [1], Winkworth, Richard C. [1]. Constructing Biogeography: Simulations and patterns of dispersal in the Southern Hemisphere. Molecular phylogenies and divergence time estimates indicate that long-distance dispersal has played an important role in shaping southern hemisphere floras. Molecular analyses have provided important insights into the origins of floristic similarities between Australia, New Zealand, and South America, however these studies may be limited by extinction and other biogeographic complexities. Although uncertainty about the historical biogeography of specific lineages is always likely to remain, simulation studies may offer an important tool for understanding biogeography. Here we use a neutral biogeographic model to simulate diversification and dispersal of a lineage within a spatial scenario representing the southern hemisphere over the last 20 my. Specifically, we explore whether dispersal could result in a tree topology consistent with that expected from vicariance. Our results are consistent with observations from molecular and fossil data, but also suggest novel insights into dispersal in the southern hemisphere.
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1 - Yale University, Department Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Po Box 208105, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520-8105, USA
Keywords:
Biogeography
dispersal
simulations
Southern Hemisphere.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 25-5
Location: 410/Hilton
Date: Tuesday, August 16th, 2005
Time: 9:00 AM
Abstract ID:222 | 
