Speciation and Evolution of the Birds of Paradise (Paradisaeidae)

澳大利亚的极乐鸟代表了物种的戏剧性繁殖，其特征是壮观的羽毛的进化，行为上的差异，特别是繁殖系统，以及生态专门化。本研究项目将利用现代数值和计算机方法重建该种群的进化史，然后在此历史背景下研究其形态、行为和生态的进化。天堂鸟将成为理解导致物种繁衍的进化过程的范例。这项研究将有助于我们对导致生物多样性进化的自然过程--特别是鸟类物种的进化--的基本理解。只有了解这种多样性的起源，我们才能评估它对我们的全球生态系统的重要性，并采取必要的行动来保护它。

The Australian birds of paradise represent a dramatic proliferation of species characterized by the evolution of spectacular plumages, differences in behavior, particularly breeding systems, and ecological specializations. This research project will use modern numerical and computer methods to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the group and then study the evolution of morphology, behavior and ecology against this historical backdrop. The birds of paradise will serve as a paradigm for understanding the evolutionary processes that result in the proliferation of species. This study will contribute to our basic understanding of the natural processes that result in the evolution of biological diversity--particularly the evolution of avian species. Only by understanding the origin of this diversity can we assess its importance to our global ecosystem and take the action necessary for its preservation.