Molecular phylogenetics of the hummingbird genus Coeligena

A Cryptic New Species of Thrush (Turdidae:Turdus) from Western Amazonia

“…Recently, the integration of molecular techniques, vocal analysis, and traditional morphology has facilitated, more than ever, discovery of new species (e.g., Krabbe et al 2005, O'Neill et al 2011. In particular, improvements in the methods and cost-effectiveness of molecular analyses, in conjunction with increased higher education opportunities for Neotropical ornithologists, have significantly augmented the contributions of native ornithologists in this field (for a selection of representative examples, see Bertelli and Giannini 2005, Pérez-Emán 2005, García-Moreno et al 2006, Ribas et al 2007, Chaves et al 2009, Parra et al 2009, Tello et al 2009). These outstanding publications are the result not only of improved academic training, but also of increased opportunities for international and inter-institutional collaboration (Naranjo 2008).…”

“…Natural history studies became more numerous in the mid-twentieth century, particularly in some areas (e.g., Galapagos, Barro Colorado Island, Costa Rica; Lack 1945, Skutch 1950, while in recent decades taxonomic studies made a resurgence following advances in molecular phylogenetics , Parra et al 2009see Vuilleumier 2003). This trend continues, and many studies currently combine molecular techniques with morphological and vocal analyses, in an attempt to unravel the phylogenetic history of clades across the taxonomic hierarchy (Isler et al 2008, Cadena andCuervo 2010), including studies revolutionizing our understanding of relationships within the entire class Aves (Hackett et al 2008).…”

Evolutionary patterns of diversification in the Andean hummingbird genus Adelomyia

“…While some studies of Andean hummingbirds have addressed the diversifying effects of dispersal (García-Moreno et al, 1999), natural selection (Chaves et al, 2007), and sexual selection (Parra et al, 2009), a complete picture of the diversification of the group has been hampered by the lack of broad geographic sampling (particularly from Colombia). This has limited the ability to fully resolve phylogeographic patterns and understand the evolutionary processes that have given rise to the high biodiversity.…”

Genetic Differentiation, Niche Divergence, and the Origin and Maintenance of the Disjunct Distribution in the Blossomcrown Anthocephala floriceps (Trochilidae)

“…We extracted DNA from tissue samples of three museum specimens of A. f. floriceps and two of A. f. berlepschi (Table 1) using a phenol/chlorophorm protocol [35]. We then amplified and sequenced two mitochondrial (ND2 and ND4) and two nuclear genes (Bfib7 and ODC introns 6 and 7) for all individuals using published primers and protocols [36], [37]. We did not estimate gametic phase for the nuclear loci; apparent heterozygosities were coded as ambiguities using IUPAC codes.…”