Wing morphology predicts geographic range size in vespertilionid bats.

ABSTRACT: Why some species are widespread across continents while others are confined geographically remains an open question in ecology and biogeography. Previous research has attempted to explain interspecific variation in geographic range size based on differences in dispersal ability. However, the relationship between dispersal ability and geographic range size remains uncertain, particularly in mammals. The goal of this study is to test whether geographic range size can be predicted by dispersal capacity among vespertilionid bats within a phylogenetic comparative framework. We integrated a large dataset on range area, longitudinal extent, wing morphology (a proxy for dispersal ability), migratory habit, and biogeographic realm across 126 vespertilionid bat species. We used phylogenetic regressi

SUBMITTER: Luo B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6418303 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature