Cited by 101Evolution and Paleontology StudiesEvolution and Genetic DynamicsEcology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies

Testing the link between the latitudinal gradient in species richness and rates of molecular evolution

Bromham, L., Cardillo, M.·2003·Journal of Evolutionary Biology

Abstract

Numerous hypotheses have been proposed to explain latitudinal gradients in species richness, but all are subject to ongoing debate. Here we examine Rohde's (1978, 1992) hypothesis, which proposes that climatic conditions at low latitudes lead to elevated rates of speciation. This hypothesis predicts that rates of molecular evolution should increase towards lower latitudes, but this prediction has never been tested. We discuss potential links between rates of molecular evolution and latitudinal diversity gradients, and present the first test of latitudinal variation in rates of molecular evolution. Using 45 phylogenetically independent, latitudinally separated pairs of bird species and higher taxa, we compare rates of evolution of two mitochondrial genes and DNA–DNA hybridization distances. We find no support for an effect of latitude on rate of molecular evolution. This result casts doubt on the generality of a key component of Rohde's hypothesis linking climate and speciation.

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Crossref · 10.1046/j.1420-9101.2003.00526.x

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  • There is, as yet, no evidence that environmental temperature influences the rate of molecular evolution.

    “However, there is, as yet, no evidence that environmental temperature influences the rate of molecular evolution 40,41 .”

    From The modern molecular clock (2003) · cites this paper as [40]

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Authors
Bromham, L., & Cardillo, M.
Affiliations
  • University of Sussex (GB)
  • The University of Queensland (AU)
Corresponding author
Bromham, L.
Venue
Journal of Evolutionary Biology
Published
2003-03-01
Volume
16
Issue
2
Pages
200-207
ISSN
  • 1010-061X (ISSN-L)
  • 1420-9101
OpenAlex
W1680461446
Cited by
101
References
63
Citations by year
2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 2 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 12 · 2012: 3
FWCI
9.64
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Journal of Evolutionary Biology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • ANU Open Research (Australian National University) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Paleontology › Evolution and Paleontology Studies
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Evolution and Genetic Dynamics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Nature and Landscape Conservation › Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
Keywords
latitudinal diversity gradient, species richness, molecular evolution rate, speciation rates, mitochondrial genes, birds
MeSH terms
Animals, Birds, Climate, Geography, Phylogeny, DNA Probes, Evolution, Molecular, Biodiversity

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