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Evidence from molecular systematics for decreased avian diversification in the Pleistocene Epoch

Authors :
Zink, Robert M.
Slowinski, Joseph B.
Source :
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States. June 20, 1995, Vol. 92 Issue 13, p5832, 4 p.
Publication Year :
1995

Abstract

Molecular studies show that most avian species evolved in the Pleistocene Epoch and species' durations decreased through Pleistocene due to heightened speciation rates. A study of the cumulative distribution of reconstructed speciation events in mtDNA phylogenies of 11 avian genera show a decline in net diversification rate throughout the Pleistocene Epoch. It is unclear whether speciation rates decreased or extinction rates increased.

Details

ISSN :
00278424
Volume :
92
Issue :
13
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsgcl.17538227