Exceptional Convergence on the Macroevolutionary Landscape in Island Lizard Radiations
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-19-2013
Abstract
G. G. Simpson, one of the chief architects of evolutionary biology’s modern synthesis, proposed that diversification occurs on a macroevolutionary adaptive landscape, but landscape models are seldom used to study adaptive divergence in large radiations. We show that for Caribbean Anolis lizards, diversification on similar Simpsonian landscapes leads to striking convergence of entire faunas on four islands. Parallel radiations unfolding at large temporal scales shed light on the process of adaptive diversification, indicating that the adaptive landscape may give rise to predictable evolutionary patterns in nature, that adaptive peaks may be stable over macroevolutionary time, and that available geographic area influences the ability of lineages to discover new adaptive peaks.
Recommended Citation
Mahler, Luke, Travis Ingram, Liam J. Revell, and Jonathan B. Losos. (July 19, 2013) "Exceptional Convergence on the Macroevolutionary Landscape in Island Lizard Radiations." Science, Vol. 341, No. 6143, pp. 292-295.
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Rights
Copyright 2013 American Association for the Advancement of Science
Comments
Published in Science, Vol. 341 no. 6143 pp. 292-295.