More information
Estimation of spatial biodiversity pattern and predictions of its future changes currently rely on species distributions, which are often biased even in well studied taxa like mammals, because: (i) they are based on incorrect/incomparable species delimitations and still floating alpha-taxonomy; (ii) even the geographic distribution of taxa sufficiently defined by integrative taxonomic approach is poorly known, especially in tropical regions. Using the unique set of small mammals collected during last 20 years across all major parts of the Zambezian, Somali-Masai and Ethiopian biogeographical regions, our group currently aim: (i) to re-evaluate biodiversity patterns by standardised measures of phylogenomic and functional diversity; (ii) to test alternative evolutionary hypotheses for processes leading to high biodiversity/endemism, in particular to identify the role of local geomorphology and past climate changes.
Besides the understanding of evolutionary mechanisms forming biodiversity hotspots, our research has direct implications for nature conservation. Current projects specifically focus on the Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot, one of the most important centres of biodiversity and endemism on Earth. Within this hotspot, the endemic rodents of the Ethiopian highlands, co-distributed on steep altitudinal gradients on both sides of the Rift Valley, represent an excellent group to study wide spectrum of evolutionary processes. The extant species, often markedly differentiated, are expected to possess complex genetic make-up, whose investigation can inform us about relative importance of disruptive selection, temporary geographic isolation and introgression in adaptive radiations.
By using phylogenomic approaches, we reconstructed phylogeographic structure in multiple taxa with reticulate evolution and given that information, we are testing specific hypotheses on the role of variation in candidate genes (e.g. mitochondrial + nuclear counterparts involved in oxidative phosphorylation) and mitonuclear compatibility in speciation process and adaptations to high altitude.
