Trait-based diversification shifts reflect differential extinction among fossil taxa.

ABSTRACT: Evolution provides many cases of apparent shifts in diversification associated with particular anatomical traits. Three general models connect these patterns to anatomical evolution: (i) elevated net extinction of taxa bearing particular traits, (ii) elevated net speciation of taxa bearing particular traits, and (iii) elevated evolvability expanding the range of anatomies available to some species. Trait-based diversification shifts predict elevated hierarchical stratigraphic compatibility (i.e., primitive→derived→highly derived sequences) among pairs of anatomical characters. The three specific models further predict (i) early loss of diversity for taxa retaining primitive conditions (elevated net extinction), (ii) increased diversification among later members of a clade (elevated net spe

SUBMITTER: Wagner PJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4246258 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature