Abstract Detail

Biogeography

Miller, Joe [1], Mishler, Brent [2].

Phylogenetic diversity and endemism of the Australian flora.

Australia contains biodiversity hotspots such as in southwestern Australia and the northeastern Wet Tropics. We will present a series of studies that have measured biodiversity on a continental scale in Australia using both species and phylogenetic metrics on major lineages, such as Acacia, Eucalyptus as well as studies of the entire flora at the genus level. Through the use of phylogenetic and species turnover metrics we have identified areas of biodiversity transitions which we are using to define flora and phylogenetically based bioregions. We found that areas of high species richness and species endemism are not always areas of high phylogenetic diversity or phylogenetic endemism. We have developed novel metrics for phylogenetic endemism that identify areas that have been refugia in different lineages at different points in time. By combining these data at multiple phylogenetic levels we are able to identify different types of rarity are present in the Southwest and Wet Tropics. It is anticipated that these methods will be valuable in the conservation decision-making process; reserve design can be guided by assessment of phylogeny rather than species counts alone and can identify complementary areas of biodiversity that have unique evolutionary histories and traits in need of conservation.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Centre For Australian National Biodiversity Research, GPO Box 1600, Canberra, N/A, 2601, Australia
2 - University of California, Berkeley, DEPT OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY, 1001 Valley Life Science Building # 2465, Berkeley, CA, 94720-2465, USA

Keywords:
Phylogenetic diversity
phylogeny
bioregionalization
Australia
Phylogenetic turnover
phylogenetic endemism.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 38
Location: Marlborough A/Riverside Hilton
Date: Wednesday, July 31st, 2013
Time: 10:30 AM
Number: 38008
Abstract ID:502
Candidate for Awards:None