The theory, published Oct. 26 in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, provides a framework for understanding how the Earth's changing geography and climate have influenced the evolution of species over millions of years.
The theory, known as the "geographical mosaic theory of coevolution," builds on previous work by evolutionary biologists and biogeographers, but it is the first to provide a comprehensive explanation of how the Earth's past landscapes have driven the evolution of life.
"This theory provides a new way to understand how the Earth's geography and climate have shaped the evolution of life," said lead author Jonathan Losos, professor of biology and Curator of Herpetology at the Harvard University Museum of Comparative Zoology. "It allows us to see how the past has influenced the present, and how the present is likely to change in the future."
The geographical mosaic theory of coevolution is based on the idea that the Earth's landscapes are constantly changing, and that these changes have a major impact on the evolution of species. For example, when a mountain range forms, it can create a barrier that separates two populations of the same species, preventing them from interbreeding and leading to the evolution of two new species.
Similarly, when the Earth's climate changes, it can force species to adapt to new conditions or face extinction. For example, the global cooling that occurred during the last ice age forced many species to adapt to colder temperatures or move to warmer regions, leading to the evolution of new species and the extinction of others.
The geographical mosaic theory of coevolution also explains how the Earth's past landscapes have influenced the distribution of species around the globe. For example, the distribution of many species is limited by the presence of mountains, deserts, or other barriers. These barriers can prevent species from dispersing to new areas, and can lead to the evolution of distinct species in different regions.
The geographical mosaic theory of coevolution is a powerful new tool for understanding the evolution of life on Earth. It provides a framework for understanding how the Earth's past landscapes have influenced the evolution of species, and how the present is likely to change in the future.
In addition to Losos, the study was co-authored by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley; the University of California, Davis; the University of Michigan; the University of Puerto Rico; and the University of Washington.
