Terrestrialization, miniaturization and rates of diversification in African puddle frogs (Anura: Phrynobatrachidae).

ABSTRACT: Terrestrialization, the evolution of non-aquatic oviposition, and miniaturization, the evolution of tiny adult body size, are recurring trends in amphibian evolution, but the relationships among the traits that characterize these phenomena are not well understood. Furthermore, these traits have been identified as possible "key innovations" that are predicted to increase rates of speciation in those lineages in which they evolve. We examine terrestrialization and miniaturization in sub-Saharan puddle frogs (Phrynobatrachidae) in a phylogenetic context to investigate the relationship between adaptation and diversification through time. We use relative dating techniques to ascertain if character trait shifts are associated with increased diversification rates, and we evaluate the likelihood t

SUBMITTER: Zimkus BM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3325629 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature