Reconstructing the evolutionary history of freshwater fishes (Nemacheilidae) across Eurasia since early Eocene
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eLife Assessment
In this valuable study, the authors attempt to reconstruct the evolutionary history of a large and widespread group of freshwater fishes (Nemacheilidae) across Eurasia since the early Eocene, based on molecular phylogenetic analysis with very comprehensive samplings including 471 specimens belonging to 250 living species. The authors infer that range expansions of the family were facilitated by tectonic connections, favourable climatic conditions, and orogenic processes, adding to our understanding of the effects of climatic change on biodiversity during the Cenozoic. The molecular evidence is overall solid, but the calibration points from the fossil records used in the analysis have not been clearly demonstrated or cited; the different dates for the calibration points might impact the discussion on the evolutionary history relating to past climatic changes.
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Abstract
Eurasia has undergone substantial tectonic, geological, and climatic changes throughout the Cenozoic era, primarily associated with tectonic plate collisions and a global cooling trend. The evolution of present-day biodiversity unfolded in this dynamic environment, characterised by intricate interactions of abiotic factors. However, comprehensive, large-scale reconstructions illustrating the extent of these influences are lacking. We reconstructed the evolutionary history of the freshwater fish family Nemacheilidae across Eurasia and spanning most of the Cenozoic era. Molecular phylogeny uncovered six major clades within the family, along with numerous unresolved taxonomic issues. Dating of cladogenetic events and ancestral range estimation traced the origin of Nemacheilidae to Indochina around 48 million years ago. Subsequently, one branch of Nemacheilidae colonised eastern, central, and northern Asia, as well as Europe, while another branch expanded into the Burmese region, the Indian subcontinent, the Near East, and northeast Africa. These expansions were facilitated by tectonic connections, favourable climatic conditions, and orogenic processes. Conversely, aridification emerged as the primary cause of extinction events. Our study marks the first comprehensive reconstruction of the evolution of Eurasian freshwater biodiversity on a continental scale and across deep geological time.
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eLife Assessment
In this valuable study, the authors attempt to reconstruct the evolutionary history of a large and widespread group of freshwater fishes (Nemacheilidae) across Eurasia since the early Eocene, based on molecular phylogenetic analysis with very comprehensive samplings including 471 specimens belonging to 250 living species. The authors infer that range expansions of the family were facilitated by tectonic connections, favourable climatic conditions, and orogenic processes, adding to our understanding of the effects of climatic change on biodiversity during the Cenozoic. The molecular evidence is overall solid, but the calibration points from the fossil records used in the analysis have not been clearly demonstrated or cited; the different dates for the calibration points might impact the discussion on the evolutionary …
eLife Assessment
In this valuable study, the authors attempt to reconstruct the evolutionary history of a large and widespread group of freshwater fishes (Nemacheilidae) across Eurasia since the early Eocene, based on molecular phylogenetic analysis with very comprehensive samplings including 471 specimens belonging to 250 living species. The authors infer that range expansions of the family were facilitated by tectonic connections, favourable climatic conditions, and orogenic processes, adding to our understanding of the effects of climatic change on biodiversity during the Cenozoic. The molecular evidence is overall solid, but the calibration points from the fossil records used in the analysis have not been clearly demonstrated or cited; the different dates for the calibration points might impact the discussion on the evolutionary history relating to past climatic changes.
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Reviewer #1 (Public review):
Summary:
This is by far the phylogenetic analysis with the most comprehensive coverage for the Nemacheilidae family in Cobitoidea. It is a much-lauded effort. The conclusions derived using phylogenetic tools coincide with geological events, though not without difficulties (Africa pathway).
Strengths:
Comprehensive use of genetic tools
Weaknesses:
Lack of more fossil records.
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Reviewer #2 (Public review):
Summary:
The authors present the results of molecular phylogenetic analysis with very comprehensive samplings including 471 specimens belonging to 250 species, trying to give a holistic reconstruction of the evolutionary history of freshwater fishes (Nemacheilidae) across Eurasia since the early Eocene. This is of great interest to general readers.
Strengths:
They provide very vast data and conduct comprehensive analyses. They suggested that Nemacheilidae contain 6 major clades, and the earliest differentiation can be dated to the early Eocene.
Weaknesses:
The analysis is incomplete, and the manuscript discussion is not well organized. The authors did not discuss the systematic problems that widely exist. They also did not use the conventional way to discuss the evolutionary process of branches or clades, …
Reviewer #2 (Public review):
Summary:
The authors present the results of molecular phylogenetic analysis with very comprehensive samplings including 471 specimens belonging to 250 species, trying to give a holistic reconstruction of the evolutionary history of freshwater fishes (Nemacheilidae) across Eurasia since the early Eocene. This is of great interest to general readers.
Strengths:
They provide very vast data and conduct comprehensive analyses. They suggested that Nemacheilidae contain 6 major clades, and the earliest differentiation can be dated to the early Eocene.
Weaknesses:
The analysis is incomplete, and the manuscript discussion is not well organized. The authors did not discuss the systematic problems that widely exist. They also did not use the conventional way to discuss the evolutionary process of branches or clades, but just chronologically described the overall history.
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