Trait-dependent dispersal in neotropical torrent frogs (Anura: Hylodidae)

• Grant number: 23/01785-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2023
• End date: August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biology
• Principal Investigator: Cinthia Aguirre Brasileiro
• Grantee: Leonardo Matheus Servino
• Supervisor: Nicholas Joseph Matzke
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Auckland, New Zealand
• Associated to the scholarship: 21/10039-8 - Macroecology and macroevolution of visual displays in anuran amphibians, BP.DR

Abstract

Understanding how species lineages dispersed over evolutionary time is a central question in historical biogeography. Biological traits, such as the ability perform visual signals can play a significant role in determining species distribution. These signals used for attracting mates or displayed territoriality, may increase predation risk, and may negatively affect the long-term dispersal lineages. The neotropical torrent frogs (Anura: Hylodidae) are endemics from the South American Atlantic Forest, comprehending species with and without visual signals, as well as widely distributed and highly restricted species. This study aims to evaluate how visual signal evolution impact the dispersal of these frogs. We will test the hypothesis that visual signals have influenced species dispersal, resulting in microendemic species. Here, we will use a dated phylogeny of 38 species of Hylodidae to compare trait-dependent and trait-independent models using BioGeoBEARS, an R package developed for inference of biogeographic history on phylogenies. We will also develop a regionalization scheme of South American Atlantic Forest based on riverine barriers and topography. This will be the first examination of trait-dependent biogeography models in anurans. (AU)