Closing the gap between palaeontological and neontological speciation and extinction rate estimates.

ABSTRACT: Measuring the pace at which speciation and extinction occur is fundamental to understanding the origin and evolution of biodiversity. Both the fossil record and molecular phylogenies of living species can provide independent estimates of speciation and extinction rates, but often produce strikingly divergent results. Despite its implications, the theoretical reasons for this discrepancy remain unknown. Here, we reveal a conceptual and methodological basis able to reconcile palaeontological and molecular evidence: discrepancies are driven by different implicit assumptions about the processes of speciation and species evolution in palaeontological and neontological analyses. We present the "birth-death chronospecies" model that clarifies the definition of speciation and extinction processes

SUBMITTER: Silvestro D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6286320 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature