Determinants of zoogeographical boundaries differ between vertebrate groups

Aim Worldwide distribution patterns of living animals are structured in multiple zoogeographical regions, characterized by faunas with homogeneous composition that separated sharp boundaries. These regions can differ depending on the considered animal group, probably because they have distinct characteristics such as dispersal, metabolism, or evolutionary history, and thus divergent responses to major biogeographical drivers, tectonic movements, abrupt climate transitions orographic barriers. Here, we tested if drivers boundaries different between vertebrate classes strongly traits history. Location Global. Time period Present. Major taxa studied Amphibians, birds mammals. Methods We focused terrestrial boundaries, considering potential drivers: spatial heterogeneity present-day climate, altitudinal variation, long-term movements past change (temperature). used spatially explicit regression models geographically weighted regressions select quantify factors explaining position classes. Results For mammals, climatic barriers jointly determined extant being most important. birds, played strongest role, while effect was weak. amphibians, mostly corresponded areas transitions. The amphibian occur shifts temperature precipitation regimes. Main conclusions Our analyses confirmed shaped global highlight features show heterogeneous across globe. Eco-physiological constraints likely increase importance dispersal limitations magnify relevance physical (mountain chains instability). Integrating among-taxa into provides a more complete view how processes determine biodiversity variation