Abstract.
Phylogenetic relationships of the family Vangidae and representatives of several other passeriform families were inferred from 882 base positions of mitochondrial DNA sequences of 12S and 16S rRNA genes. Results indicated the monophyly of the Vangidae, which includes the genus Tylas, hitherto often placed in the family Pycnonotidae. Our results also revealed the Malagasy endemic Newtonia, a genus never previously assigned to the Vangidae, to be a member of this family. These results suggest the occurrence of an extensive in situ radiation of this family within Madagascar, and that the extant high diversity of this family is not the result of multiple colonizations from outside. The extremely high morphological and ecological diversification of the family seems to have been enhanced through the use and ultimate occupancy of vacant niches in this island.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 8 September 2000 / Accepted: 13 February 2001
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Yamagishi, S., Honda, M., Eguchi, K. et al. Extreme Endemic Radiation of the Malagasy Vangas (Aves: Passeriformes). J Mol Evol 53, 39–46 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002390010190
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002390010190