Avian molecular systematics on the rebound: a fresh look at modern shorebird phylogenetic relationships

van Tuinen, Marcel, Waterhouse, David and Dyke, Gareth J. (2004) Avian molecular systematics on the rebound: a fresh look at modern shorebird phylogenetic relationships. Journal of Avian Biology, 35 (3), 191-194. (doi:10.1111/j.0908-8857.2004.03362.x).

Record type: Article

Abstract

The study of avian molecular systematics currently lags behind that of mammals in several ways. Little phylogenetic resolution is observed among orders and phylogenetic studies below the ordinal level largely remain based on fast evolving mitochondrial sequences. New papers by Paton et al., Ericson et al., and Thomas et al. provide avian molecular systematics with a badly needed boost. These studies indicate that sampling more taxa and slower evolving nuclear genes yields strong phylogenetic resolution among the major shorebird (order Charadriiformes) families. The new data show surprising overall consensus and converge on certain novel clades. If correct, this newly obtained phylogenetic framework has tremendous implications for our understanding of the evolution of shorebird morphology, ecology and behaviour

This record has no associated files available for download.