The Phylogenetic Diversity of Amazonian Anurans

• Grant number: 23/16867-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: June 16, 2024
• End date: June 15, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology
• Principal Investigator: Miguel Trefaut Urbano Rodrigues
• Grantee: Leandro João Carneiro de Lima Moraes
• Supervisor: Jason Lee Brown
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Southern Illinois University, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/01213-7 - Diversity, evolution and conservation of Amazonian anurans, BP.DR

Abstract

Measuring and mapping phylogenetic diversity are paramount in order to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the interconnected evolution of species and ecosystems. However, quantifying this diversity dimension can be challenging, especially in megadiverse regions such as the Amazonia. In this region, any attempt to estimate biodiversity is hampered by the lack of basic data on the actual number of species present across its vast territory, and, consequently, on their distribution ranges and evolutionary relationships. As a result, studies on Amazonian diversification have historically been limited to taxonomic diversity, and within well-studied model organisms (birds and primates). This limited focus resulted in rough extrapolations for less-studied organisms, hindering our comprehensive understanding of their phylogenetic diversity distribution and diversification processes. Anuran amphibians are an example of such less-studied organisms, and not only their phylogenetic relationships are poorly documented within Amazonia, but also the spatial patterns of their phylogenetic diversity. Therefore, this visit abroad research project aims at properly characterizing phylogenetic diversity of Amazonian anurans (ca. 600 nominal species, but potentially more than 1,500) and investigating the processes underlying their spatial patterns. These goals will be achieved through a framework of analyses involving DNA-based species delimitations built on an unprecedented molecular survey, a strongly supported time-calibrated phylogenetic reconstruction for these species, estimates of phylogenetic diversity metrics and their spatial distribution, and model-based biogeographic analyses. By fostering the exchange of expertise regarding Amazonian anuran diversity and large-scale spatial analyses, this project naturally seeks at reciprocally illuminating the knowledge of its participants, their laboratories and affiliated institutions.