Tiny Greenbul Diversification in Eastern Arc Mountains
Author Information
Author(s): Jérôme Fuchs, Jon Fjeldså, Rauri CK Bowie
Primary Institution: University of California, Berkeley
Hypothesis
Is the morphological differentiation in the Tiny Greenbul due to disruptive selection along an altitudinal gradient or secondary contact following population expansion?
Conclusion
The morphological differences in the Tiny Greenbul are due to secondary contact of two distinct lineages rather than disruptive selection.
Supporting Evidence
- Significant biometric differences were found between lowland and montane populations.
- Lowland and montane birds form two distinct genetic lineages.
- Divergence between the two forms occurred between 2.4 and 3.1 million years ago.
Takeaway
This study shows that two types of Tiny Greenbuls live in different areas, and their differences come from them meeting again after being apart for a long time, not because of changes in their environment.
Methodology
The study used morphological and genetic data from 124 Tiny Greenbuls to analyze differences between lowland and montane populations.
Limitations
The sample size for the subspecies debilis was too small for meaningful comparison.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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