Biology ETDs
Publication Date
Spring 5-10-2024
Abstract
The paradox of the ‘Great Speciators’ describes a biogeographic pattern in which geographically widespread lineages have strong overwater dispersal capabilities, yet exhibit genetic and phenotypic divergence between islands, suggesting limited dispersal and cessation of gene flow. In my dissertation, I leveraged whole genomes and two comprehensive trait datasets of dispersal ability and plumage coloration of all described diversity within Todiramphus kingfishers, a rapid radiation of largely island endemic ‘Great Speciators.’ Chapter 1 reveals that whole genome datasets do not outright solve the evolutionary relationships of this clade and that widespread incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and gene flow are sources of topological conflict. Chapter 2 shows that direct measures of dispersal ability indicate that island syndrome contributes to evolutionary trends towards flightlessness in flighted, island endemic birds. Chapter 3 establishes a connection between rapidly evolving plumage color and diversification rates and highlights genetic drift as a driver of plumage color evolution.
Language
English
Keywords
Alcedinidae, Whole Genome Resequencing, phylogenetics, dispersal, island syndrome, color evolution
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Biology
Level of Degree
Doctoral
Department Name
UNM Biology Department
First Committee Member (Chair)
Michael Andersen
Second Committee Member
Lisa Barrow
Third Committee Member
Joseph Cook
Fourth Committee Member
Corinne Myers
Recommended Citation
McCullough, Jenna Merle. "Unraveling the Paradox of the 'Great Speciators': Evolutionary Dynamics of a Geographic Radiation of Island Kingfishers (Todiramphus)." (2024). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/biol_etds/591
