In:
Journal of Biogeography, Wiley, Vol. 41, No. 4 ( 2014-04), p. 659-672
Abstract:
Our aim was to test hypothesized biogeographical barriers using small‐bodied terrestrial U peroleia frogs, to identify P leistocene refugia and to define biogeographical units. Location The A ustralian M onsoonal T ropics, defined as the open woodlands and savanna north of the inland arid and eastern winter‐rainfall zones. Methods A multi‐locus molecular phylogeny of the U peroleia lithomoda , U . trachyderma and U . minima species complex, with supporting morphological and acoustic data, was generated to test species boundaries and clarify distributions. Ecological niche modelling with current climate and Last Glacial Maximum climate data was used to identify biogeographical units, barriers to dispersal, and regions of stability that may have served as P leistocene refugia. Results Our combined data supported five clades that comprise four allopatric species. Ecological niche models of the resolved species suggest that the K imberley P lateau represents a distinct bioregion, the Top End extends from the edge of the K imberley P lateau to the C arpentarian G ap, and the transition from sandstone escarpments to flat, sandy soils represents a major barrier to dispersal between the Top End and the N orthern D eserts. The N orthern D eserts were found to comprise two distinct subregions. Population‐ and species‐level divergences were evident in a north–south line in the N orthern T erritory, representing a newly identified biogeographical break. Putative P leistocene refugia were predicted in the north‐west K imberley P lateau, the western half of the Top End, the S elwyn R ange and western C ape Y ork. Main conclusions By combining detailed genetic, morphological and acoustic data with newly developed statistical methods, we have delineated species boundaries, identified cryptic species and provided a region‐wide assessment of the biogeography of northern A ustralia. We have identified previously unrecognized biogeographical barriers, better defined biogeographical regions, and proposed new hypotheses about the effects of P leistocene climate cycles on the present‐day diversity of northern A ustralia. Our work provides a solid foundation for the investigation of biogeographical patterns in other taxa.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0305-0270
,
1365-2699
DOI:
10.1111/jbi.2014.41.issue-4
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2014
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2020428-0
detail.hit.zdb_id:
188963-1
SSG:
12
Permalink
