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Negative global-scale association between genetic diversity and speciation rates in mammals

Author

Listed:
  • Ana C. Afonso Silva

    (Université PSL
    University of Lisbon)

  • Odile Maliet

    (Université PSL)

  • Leandro Aristide

    (Université PSL
    Hospital El Cruce)

  • David Nogués-Bravo

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Nathan Upham

    (Arizona State University)

  • Walter Jetz

    (Yale University
    Yale University)

  • Hélène Morlon

    (Université PSL)

Abstract

Genetic diversity is critical for species evolution and their adaptability to global changes, while speciation rate is critical for explaining large-scale patterns of species richness. Exploring correlates of variation in genetic diversity and speciation rates across species is a major interest of evolutionary biologists, but these two questions have mostly been investigated independently. Here, we assess the relationship between intra-specific genetic diversity and speciation rate for 1897 mammal species (~one third of the total diversity) covering all mammalian orders. We find a negative association between mitochondrial genetic diversity and speciation rate across mammalian clades globally. This association is not accounted for by differences in the ecological attributes of species. Our findings suggest a systematic link between micro- and macroevolutionary processes that need to be better understood and considered when investigating determinants of either genetic diversity or speciation rates.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana C. Afonso Silva & Odile Maliet & Leandro Aristide & David Nogués-Bravo & Nathan Upham & Walter Jetz & Hélène Morlon, 2025. "Negative global-scale association between genetic diversity and speciation rates in mammals," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56820-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56820-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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