Evolution of the unique fauna of the Great Artesian Basin mound springs

Nick Murphy | Michelle Guzik | Andrew Austin | Steve Cooper
Rachael King

Using sequence data from multiple genes we will develop robust phylogenies and investigate recent lineage divergence for two groups of aquatic crustaceans endemic to the springs. We will test hypotheses associated with climate history in Australia and the origins of the endemic fauna and evolutionary radiations within the springs. By examining the impact of climate history we can assess the possible consequences of spring extinctions and future climate change on their endemic faunas.

Aims

• To use molecular phylogenetic analyses and divergence dating to determine whether lineage divergence in mound spring endemic taxa is be related to Late Miocene aridification.
• To use multilocus statistical phylogeography studies to determine the extent and nature of more recent within-spring speciation events and historical dispersal events, in particular examining the impact of more recent climatic oscillations.

Funding: ARC Discovery Project DP0770979