@article{RainfordHofreiterMayhew2016,
  author    = {Rainford, James L. and Hofreiter, Michael and Mayhew, Peter J.},
  title     = {Phylogenetic analyses suggest that diversification and body size evolution are independent in insects},
  series = {BMC evolutionary biology},
  volume    = {16},
  journal   = {BMC evolutionary biology},
  publisher = {BioMed Central},
  address   = {London},
  issn      = {1471-2148},
  doi       = {10.1186/s12862-015-0570-3},
  pages     = {47 -- 55},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {Background: Skewed body size distributions and the high relative richness of small-bodied taxa are a fundamental property of a wide range of animal clades. The evolutionary processes responsible for generating these distributions are well described in vertebrate model systems but have yet to be explored in detail for other major terrestrial clades. In this study, we explore the macro-evolutionary patterns of body size variation across families of Hexapoda (insects and their close relatives), using recent advances in phylogenetic understanding, with an aim to investigate the link between size and diversity within this ancient and highly diverse lineage. Results: The maximum, minimum and mean-log body lengths of hexapod families are all approximately log-normally distributed, consistent with previous studies at lower taxonomic levels, and contrasting with skewed distributions typical of vertebrate groups. After taking phylogeny and within-tip variation into account, we find no evidence for a negative relationship between diversification rate and body size, suggesting decoupling of the forces controlling these two traits. Likelihood-based modeling of the log-mean body size identifies distinct processes operating within Holometabola and Diptera compared with other hexapod groups, consistent with accelerating rates of size evolution within these clades, while as a whole, hexapod body size evolution is found to be dominated by neutral processes including significant phylogenetic conservatism. Conclusions: Based on our findings we suggest that the use of models derived from well-studied but atypical clades, such as vertebrates may lead to misleading conclusions when applied to other major terrestrial lineages. Our results indicate that within hexapods, and within the limits of current systematic and phylogenetic knowledge, insect diversification is generally unfettered by size-biased macro-evolutionary processes, and that these processes over large timescales tend to converge on apparently neutral evolutionary processes. We also identify limitations on available data within the clade and modeling approaches for the resolution of trees of higher taxa, the resolution of which may collectively enhance our understanding of this key component of terrestrial ecosystems.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{AliRungeDutbayevetal.2016,
  author    = {Ali, Tahir and Runge, Fabian and Dutbayev, Ayan and Schmuker, Angelika and Solovyeva, Irina and Nigrelli, Lisa and Buch, Ann-Katrin and Xia, Xiaojuan and Ploch, Sebastian and Orren, Ouria and Kummer, Volker and Paule, Juraj and Celik, Ali and Vakhrusheva, Ljudmila and Gabrielyan, Ivan and Thines, Marco},
  title     = {Microthlaspi erraticum (Jord.) T. Ali et Thines has a wide distribution, ranging from the Alps to the Tien Shan},
  series = {Flora : morphology, distribution, functional ecology of plants},
  volume    = {225},
  journal   = {Flora : morphology, distribution, functional ecology of plants},
  publisher = {American Chemical Society},
  address   = {Jena},
  issn      = {0367-2530},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.flora.2016.09.008},
  pages     = {76 -- 81},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {Microthlaspi is a predominantly Eurasian genus which also occurs in the northernmost parts of Africa (Maghreb). The most widespread species of the genus is M. perfoliatum, which can be found from Sweden to Algeria and from Portugal to China. The other species are thought to have much more confined distribution ranges, often covering only a few hundred kilometres. This is also believed for the diploid M. erraticum, which was recently re-appraised as a taxon independent from the tetra- to hexaploid M. perfoliatum. Previously, M. erraticum was believed to be present only in Central Europe, from the East of France to Slovenia. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the ecology, evolution and migration history of Microthlaspi it was the focus of the current study to investigate, if M. erraticum is present in habitats outside Central Europe, but with microclimates similar to Central Europe. It is demonstrated that M. erraticum is much more widespread than previously thought, while other lineages apart from M. perfoliatum s.str. and M. erraticum seem to have restricted distribution ranges. The latter species was observed from the Alps and their foreland, the Balkans, the mountainous areas around the Black Sea, Southern Siberia, as well as the Altai and Tien Shan mountains. This demonstrates a widespread occurrence of this easily-overlooked species. (C) 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.},
  language  = {en}
}