Which continent is suggested by phylogenetic data to be the origin point for the *Hylaeus* genus?
Answer
Australia
Phylogenetic evidence strongly indicates that the genus *Hylaeus* originated in Australia approximately 30 million years ago. This ancient lineage in the Australasian Region is evidenced by the fact that this area contains the highest number of subgenera associated with the genus—specifically 19 noted groups, including examples like *Prosopisteron* and *Analastoroides*. The subsequent colonization of other global areas, such as the Palearctic, Nearctic, Oriental, Ethiopian, and Neotropical regions, is believed to have occurred through later dispersal events originating from this ancestral Australian lineage, suggesting a much slower, prolonged diversification there compared to explosive radiations seen elsewhere.
Related Questions
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