Hyderabad: Scientists solve the mystery of Asia's biodiversity

This is the first time such a comprehensive analysis has been done for Asia

Hyderabad: A study published recently in Ecology Letters by researchers from the Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) has for the first time revealed how life forms evolved and became extinct in South Asia and the broader Asian region. By analysing 33 well-studied groups of animals and plants using mathematical models, the team traced patterns of species creation (speciation) and loss (extinction) across the region. This isthe first time such a comprehensive analysis has been carried out forAsia .

Great disparity in the way species are created or lost among animal and plant groups

Dr Jahnavi Joshi, Senior Scientist, CCMB, explains, 'Each group consists of closely related endemic species and a common ancestor that existed at some point in time. Over millions of years, their descendants spread across the landscape and diversified into many species, many of which exist today.' The researchers found that groups of animals and plants showed great disparity in the way species were created or lost. They found that evolutionarily related groups, such as different kinds of lizards, showed similar rates of species creation and loss. They also found that half of the animal and plant groups accumulated diversity slowly over millions of years.

Peninsular India was once part of the Gondwanaland continent

Dr Joshi commented, 'The stability of the tropical forest ecosystem in peninsular India has made such stable diversification possible. As a result, the region serves as a refuge protecting species from severe climate changes.' The stability of this ecosystem is surprising given the turbulent geo-climatic past of this landmass. Pragdip Roy, first author of the study, said, 'Peninsular India was once part of the Gondwanaland continent, which included landmasses such as Africa and Australia. It broke up about 100 million years ago, drifted northwards and eventually collided with Asia, forming the Himalayas. Despite the drastic changes in geo-climate caused by this movement, biodiversity in the region has changed steadily.'

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