Ancient lineage, young troglobites: recent colonization of caves by Nesticella spiders.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The evolution and origin of cave organisms is a recurring issue in evolutionary studies, but analyses are often hindered by the inaccessibility of caves, morphological convergence, and complex colonization processes. Here we investigated the evolutionary history of Nesticella cave spiders, which are mainly distributed in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, China. With comprehensive sampling and phylogenetic and coalescent-based analyses, we investigated the tempo and mode of diversification and the origins of these troglobites. We also aimed to determine which factors have influenced the diversification of this little-known group.

Results

Coalescent-based species delimitation validated the 18 species recognized by morphological inspection and also suggested the existence

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3766682 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature