Birds in a tree : a journey through avian phylogeny, with particular emphasis on the birds of New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Genetics
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Date
2010
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Massey University
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Abstract
Two main themes to the avian research presented in this thesis are,
1. Deep resolution of birds generally, and
2. Investigation of specific aspects of the New Zealand avifauna.
More specifically, this thesis covers phylogeny, and predictions about palaeognaths,
pigeons, pelecaniforms and passerines.
Significant progress is made in resolving the basal branches of Neoaves. This thesis
examines whether the six-way basal Neoavian split of Cracraft (2001) is, in
principle, resolvable. New mitochondrial genomes are added to improve taxon
sampling, break up long branches, and allow testing of the prior assumptions of six
Neoavian groups. This research shows the six-way split is resolvable, although more
work is required for specific details. From a life-history perspective, it is interesting
that the two bird-of-prey groups (falcons and buzzards) are very divergent, and may
not be sister groups. Molecular dating supports major diversification of at least 12
Neoavian lineages in the Late Cretaceous. Additionally, novel avian mitochondrial
gene orders are investigated and a hypothesis put forward suggesting gene
conversion and stable intermediate forms allows an apparently rare event (gene
rearrangement) to occur multiple times within Neoaves.
One of Cracraft’s six groups, informally called the ‘Conglomerati’, is particularly
difficult to resolve. The pigeons (Columbiformes) lie within the ‘Conglomerati’, and
this chapter examines two aspects along the continuum of pigeon evolution. Firstly
the large South Pacific fruit pigeon radiation is examined with mid-length
mitochondrial sequences. This clade contains a third of all pigeon species, and has
been very successful in island colonisation throughout South East Asia and the
Pacific. Secondly, candidates for the closest relative of pigeons are tested using
analysis of whole mitochondrial genomes. Highest support was found for the
grouping of sandgrouse and pigeon, although they are clearly very divergent.
Also within the ‘Conglomerati’ is the traditional order Pelecaniformes, and their
close allies the Ciconiiformes. These orders (the P&C) are part of an adaptive
radiation of seabird water-carnivores, including loons, penguins, petrels and
albatrosses. This group is separate from the large shorebird water-carnivore group;
although both appear to have begun radiating abut 70 million years ago. The tropicbird
represents a separate, convergent life history and is not part of the
Pelecaniformes, nor within the larger seabird water-carnivore group.
Resolution of the basal phylogeny of oscine passerines is important for interpreting
the radiation of this group out of the Australasian region. Many endemic New
Zealand oscine passerines belong to ‘basal corvid’ lineages, but have not previously
been investigated with mitochondrial DNA. This chapter shows that many ‘basal
corvid’ lineages are actually ‘basal passerine’ lineages, and there is a discrepancy
between nuclear Rag-1 phylogenies (the most commonly used gene in passerine
phylogenetics) and other phylogenies, including mitochondrial, that requires
further investigation.
Taken as a whole, this thesis adds significantly to our understanding of the
evolution of birds, and provides a foundation for future research, not only of
phylogenetic relationships, but also of avian life history, long-term niche stability
and macroevolution.
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Keywords
Neoavian genetics, Evolution of birds, Phylogenetic relationships, Mitochondrial DNA