An integrative phylogenomic approach illuminates the evolutionary history of Old World tree frogs (Anura: Rhacophoridae)

Publication date: Available online 24 December 2019Source: Molecular Phylogenetics and EvolutionAuthor(s): Jin-Min Chen, Elizabeth Prendini, Yun-He Wu, Bao-Lin Zhang, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Hong-Man Chen, Jie-Qiong Jin, Emily Moriarty Lemmon, Alan R. Lemmon, Bryan L. Stuart, Christopher J. Raxworthy, Robert W. Murphy, Zhi-Yong Yuan, Jing CheAbstractRhacophoridae is one of the most speciose and ecologically diverse families of amphibians. Resolution of its evolutionary relationships is key to understanding the accumulation of biodiversity, yet previous hypotheses based on Sanger sequencing exhibit much discordance amongst generic relationships. This conflict precludes the making of sound macroevolutionary conclusions. Herein, we conduct the first phylogenomic study using broad-scale sampling and sequences of 352 nuclear DNA loci obtained using anchored hybrid enrichment targeted sequencing. The robust time-calibrated phylogenetic hypothesis clarifies several long-disputed relationships and facilitates the testing of evolutionary hypotheses on spatiotemporal diversification and reproductive modes. The major extant lineages of Rhacophoridae appear to have radiated in mainland Asia, and the spatiotemporal process corresponds with several common accumulations of biodiversity in Asia. Analyses do not detect any case of “Out of Himalayas” in Rhacophoridae. All transitions of reproductive modes appear to have evolved in an ordered, gradual sequence associated with gaining indep...
Source: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution - Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research