Integrative biogeography: Validating hypotheses of species distribution

DEAR EDITOR,Biogeography is a scientific field dedicated to the investigation of the origins and distribution patterns of organisms,as well as predicting future alterations in their geographical distributions(Cox&Moore,2005).However,the majority of conclusions drawn within the field of biogeography are hypothetical.Rigorous testing of these biogeographic hypotheses remains a considerable challenge.This paper presents the concept of“integrative biogeography”,which emphasizes the experimental testing of biogeographic hypotheses through studies on geological history,as well as biotic and abiotic factors(Figure 1).

Cenozoic Tethyan changes dominated Eurasian animal evolution and diversity patterns

Cenozoic tectonic evolution in the Tethyan region has greatly changed the landforms and environment of Eurasia,driving the evolution of animals and greatly affecting the diversity patterns of Eurasian animals.By combining the latest Tethyan paleogeographic models and some recently published Eurasian zoological studies,we systematically summarize how tectonic evolution in the Tethyan region has influenced the evolution and diversity patterns of Eurasian animals.The convergence of continental plates,closure of Tethys Sea,and Tethyan sea-level changes have directly affected the composition and spatial distribution of Eurasian animal diversity.The topographic and environmental changes caused by Tethyan tectonics have determined regional animal diversity in Eurasia by influencing animal origin,dispersal,preservation,diversification,and extinction.The ecological transformations resulted in the emergence of new habitats and niches,which promoted animal adaptive evolution,specialization,speciation,and expansion.We highlight that the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Tethyan region has been responsible for much of the alteration in Eurasian animal distribution and has been an essential force in shaping organic evolution.Furthermore,we generalize a general pattern that Tethyan geological events are linked with Eurasian animal evolution and diversity dynamics.

Myanmarorchestia victoria sp. nov.(Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae), a new species of landhopper from the high altitude forests in Myanmar

Myanmarorchestia victoria sp. nov. is described from high altitude habitats in Myanmar. The new species differs morphologically from its congeners by palp of maxilliped narrow; sexually dimorphic gnathopod II, propodus of male chelate and propodus of female mitten-shaped; and dimorphic uropod II, outer ramus of male with small teeth distally, outer ramus of female with three distal spines. Analysis of DNA barcode sequences and niche distinctiveness support recognition of the new species

Identifying Chinese species of Gammarus(Crustacea:Amphipoda) using DNA barcoding

Using a standard cytochrome c oxidase I sequence,DNA barcoding has been shown to be effective to distinguish known species and to discover cryptic species. Here we assessed the efficiency of DNA barcoding for the amphipod genus Gammarus from China. The maximum intraspecific divergence for widespread species,Gammarus lacustris,was 3.5%,and mean interspecific divergence reached 21.9%. We presented a conservative benchmark for determining provisional species using maximum intraspecific divergence of Gammarus lacustris. Thirty-one species possessed distinct barcode clusters. Two species were comprised of highly divergent clades with strong neighbor-joining bootstrap values,and likely indicated the presence of cryptic species. Although DNA barcoding is effective,future identification of species of Gammarus should incorporate DNA barcoding and morphological detection.