Molecular biogeography: towards an integrated framework for conserving pan-African biodiversity.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Biogeographic models partition ecologically similar species assemblages into discrete ecoregions. However, the history, relationship and interactions between these regions and their assemblages have rarely been explored.

Methodology/principal findings

Here we develop a taxon-based approach that explicitly utilises molecular information to compare ecoregion history and status, which we exemplify using a continentally distributed mammalian species: the African bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus). We reveal unprecedented levels of genetic diversity and structure in this species and show that ecoregion biogeographic history better explains the distribution of molecular variation than phenotypic similarity or geography. We extend these data to explore ecoregion connectivit

SUBMITTER: Moodley Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1866246 | biostudies-literature | 2007 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature