What geological event is closely linked in timing to the split between *Eospalax* lineages?
Answer
Qinghai-Tibet Plateau uplift event
Molecular divergence time estimations provide precise insight into evolutionary history, suggesting that the split between the *Eospalax* lineages occurred approximately 3.71 million years ago (Ma). This timing is noted as being remarkably close to the estimated impact of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau uplift event, which is dated around 3.6 Ma. This proximity strongly suggests that the significant geological and associated ecological transformations resulting from the plateau's uplift may have functioned as a crucial driving force behind the evolutionary divergence of these burrowing specialists into their current distinct genera.
Related Questions
To which Class do Zokors belong based on characteristics like fur and endothermy?Molecular studies strongly place Zokors in which modern Family?What is the distinct taxonomic unit for Zokors at the subfamily level?Which two living genera currently comprise the Zokors?What skull feature differentiates the *Myospalax* and *Eospalax* clades?What key morphological distinction separates Zokors' digging habits from other Spalacidae?Which extinct Zokor genus is known from the Late Miocene fossil record?Which species is specifically identified as the Siberian Zokor or Altai Zokor?What geological event is closely linked in timing to the split between *Eospalax* lineages?To which Suborder within the Order Rodentia are Zokors assigned?