Environmental correlates of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity in the Atlantic Forest

Aim There is little consensus on which environmental variables are best at predicting multiple dimensions of diversity. We ask whether there common correlates diversity, despite ecological differences, across nine clades plants and animals distributed along a single rainforest domain. For that, we compare the species richness, phylogenetic endemism. Location Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Taxon:Five (Bromelioideae, Miconieae, Bertolonia, Cambessedesieae, Fridericia allies) four (butterlies in tribe Ithomiini, frogs genera Boana Proceratophrys, birds subfamily Thraupinae). Methods Using curated occurrence localities data, generated maps (a) (b) (c) residuals diversity regressed (d) endemism for all groups. also compiled set 30 descriptors, including records current temperature precipitation, climatic stability over time, topography. Through machine learning framework, explored each these measures group. Results The used here were strong predictors studied However, models had lower predictive power. Although patterns different among groups, consistent taxa. both richness precipitation time consistently ranked that strongly correlate with patterns. less homogeneous results suggest climate important when reflect historical components. Main conclusions Investigating geographic area allows better understanding This study shows conditions, particularly good diversity-but not endemism-across Forest