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Trophic innovations fuel reef fish diversification

Author

Listed:
  • Alexandre C. Siqueira

    (James Cook University)

  • Renato A. Morais

    (James Cook University
    James Cook University)

  • David R. Bellwood

    (James Cook University
    James Cook University)

  • Peter F. Cowman

    (James Cook University)

Abstract

Reef fishes are an exceptionally speciose vertebrate assemblage, yet the main drivers of their diversification remain unclear. It has been suggested that Miocene reef rearrangements promoted opportunities for lineage diversification, however, the specific mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we assemble near-complete reef fish phylogenies to assess the importance of ecological and geographical factors in explaining lineage origination patterns. We reveal that reef fish diversification is strongly associated with species’ trophic identity and body size. Large-bodied herbivorous fishes outpace all other trophic groups in recent diversification rates, a pattern that is consistent through time. Additionally, we show that omnivory acts as an intermediate evolutionary step between higher and lower trophic levels, while planktivory represents a common transition destination. Overall, these results suggest that Miocene changes in reef configurations were likely driven by, and subsequently promoted, trophic innovations. This highlights trophic evolution as a key element in enhancing reef fish diversification.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandre C. Siqueira & Renato A. Morais & David R. Bellwood & Peter F. Cowman, 2020. "Trophic innovations fuel reef fish diversification," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-16498-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16498-w
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    Cited by:

    1. Jeneen Hadj-Hammou & Joshua E. Cinner & Diego R. Barneche & Iain R. Caldwell & David Mouillot & James P. W. Robinson & Nina M. D. Schiettekatte & Alexandre C. Siqueira & Brett M. Taylor & Nicholas A. , 2024. "Global patterns and drivers of fish reproductive potential on coral reefs," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Felipe O. Cerezer & Cristian S. Dambros & Marco T. P. Coelho & Fernanda A. S. Cassemiro & Elisa Barreto & James S. Albert & Rafael O. Wüest & Catherine H. Graham, 2023. "Accelerated body size evolution in upland environments is correlated with recent speciation in South American freshwater fishes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    3. Jamie B. Thompson & Tania Hernández-Hernández & Georgia Keeling & Marilyn Vásquez-Cruz & Nicholas K. Priest, 2024. "Identifying the multiple drivers of cactus diversification," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.

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