Understanding the phylogeny of species allows researchers to
understand the forces generating biodiversity, and may also serve as a
guide to prioritizing particular unique clades or regions for
conservation measures. Dr. Drew will present a case study of a multi-locus species tree for the coral reef fish genus Amblyglyphidodon
(Pomacentridae) from within the Indo-West Pacific region.He first
interpret this phylogeny in the light of an on-going debate over the
mechanisms underpinning the marine biodiversity hotspot of the Coral
Triangle. Then, using several rapidly evolving genes he investigates if evolutionary patterns present at the genus level are recapitulated at the species level. Finally, Dr. Drew will show how this robust phylogeny can be used to structure regional conservation planning.