Summary
Studies how historical processes shaped the geographic distribution of genealogical lineages.
In depth
The field combines phylogenetics and biogeography, showing how ice ages, rivers and mountains shaped genetic lineages. Mitochondrial DNA was widely used because of its high mutation rate.
The field was named by John Avise in 1987. Typical patterns include genetic breaks at barriers, southern refugia during glaciations with northward recolonisation (hedgehogs, oaks, grasshoppers in Europe), and signals of range expansion. Haplotype networks display lineages and geography. Coalescent models test scenarios of divergence and migration.
Applications include conservation (defining evolutionarily significant units), tracing disease spread (rabies, influenza and COVID-19 lineages), biogeographic history such as the Amazon river as a barrier, and human migration histories from mtDNA and Y-chromosome haplogroups. Now whole-genome data give more resolution.
Example: in the Pacific Northwest, genetic structure in trees and salamanders reflects separate ice age refugia.
Frequently asked questions
What is Phylogeography?
Studies how historical processes shaped the geographic distribution of genealogical lineages.
Which area of biology covers Phylogeography, and how advanced is it?
Phylogeography is one of the 53 topics in Evolution. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Maximum Likelihood Phylogenetics, Ancient DNA, Human Evolution.
Can you give an example of Phylogeography?
Refugia during glaciation explain the genetic structure of European species.
What should I learn before Phylogeography?
Work through the Beginner topics in Evolution first, such as Evolution, Natural Selection, Charles Darwin, then return to Phylogeography. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Phylogeography?
The closest topics to Phylogeography are Maximum Likelihood Phylogenetics, Ancient DNA, Human Evolution, Allopatric Speciation. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Phylogeography?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Phylogeography. To practise the whole of Evolution, use the Evolution quiz.
How is Phylogeography different from Maximum Likelihood Phylogenetics?
Phylogeography: Studies how historical processes shaped the geographic distribution of genealogical lineages. Maximum Likelihood Phylogenetics: Statistical methods that choose the tree and substitution model most likely to have produced observed sequence data. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Phylogeography step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Maximum Likelihood Phylogenetics and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Evolution quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.