Molecular phylogenetics of the Bombycillidae and Limosa (Scolopacidae)

Abstract

The Bombycillidae and their allies and Limosa and their allies represent ideal groups in which to use phylogenetic reconstruction to examine historic patterns of intercontinental colonization between North America and Eurasia and the role of intercontinental colonization in diversification. Molecular phylogenetic reconstruction suggests a Neotropical origin for the Bombycillidae and a subsequent colonization of Eurasia via Beringia, which is an exception to the normal pattern of a faunal exchange between these two continents. Molecular and morphological phylogenetic reconstructions suggest most relationships within Limosa are polytomous. Further analysis of the polytomous relationships indicates that the species of Limosa speciated relatively rapidly in relation to the average age of the lineages, and that intercontinental colonization probably played an important role in their diversification.