Randomized trial uncovers the role of saltwater tolerance in freshwater percid fish distribution in the Holarctic, suggesting complex dispersal pathways.
Key Points
This study aims to explore the evolutionary relationships and biogeographic patterns of percid fishes in the Holarctic region.
Used a fossil-calibrated phylogeny based on newly generated ultraconserved element data.
Estimated ancestral geographic distributions of Percidae fishes.
Analyzed phylogenetic and biogeographic implications of saltwater tolerance.
Indicated an initial vicariance event followed by two independent dispersal events from Eurasia to North America.
Ancestral state reconstruction suggests early Percidae evolution involved tolerance to brackish habitats.
Proposes a more complex dispersal scenario, challenging the conventional view of dependency on land bridges.