Lingfei Jin , Linhua Zhang , Baohua Dong

Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 3   doi: 10.5376/ija.2024.14.0014
Received: 15 Mar., 2024    Accepted: 28 Apr., 2024    Published: 19 May, 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Zhang L.H., Dong B.H., and Jin L.F., 2024, The origins of aquatic biodiversity: phylogenetic patterns and historical biogeography, International Journal of Aquaculture, 14(3): 126-138 (doi: 10.5376/ija.2024.14.0014)

The origins of aquatic biodiversity are shaped by complex phylogenetic patterns and historical biogeography. This study synthesizes findings from multiple studies to elucidate the evolutionary processes and biogeographic events that have contributed to the current diversity of aquatic species. Key factors include habitat-specific diversification rates, long-distance dispersal, vicariance, and the influence of ancient seaways. For instance, the diversification of marine and freshwater species is often linked to their ancestral habitats, with many marine species descending from marine ancestors and freshwater species from terrestrial ancestors. The biogeographic history of various aquatic taxa, such as syngnatharians and red seaweeds, highlights the role of ancient seas like the Tethys in shaping current distribution patterns through vicariance and dispersal events. Additionally, the evolutionary trajectories of freshwater fish genera in Southeast Asia and the Neotropical region underscore the importance of both colonization events and internal diversification in generating high levels of endemism and species richness. Overall, this study underscores the intricate interplay of phylogenetic and biogeographic factors in the origins of aquatic biodiversity, providing insights into the conservation of these vital ecosystems.

Aquatic biodiversity; Phylogenetic patterns; Historical biogeography; Vicariance; Long-distance dispersal