Collaborative Research: Avian Diversification Across Tropical Asia: A Systematic and Biogeographic Analysis of Babblers (Aves: Timaliidae)

热带亚洲的生物多样性研究还处于起步阶段，这主要是因为基础系统研究的状况远远落后于其他地区。 这个合作项目将研究该地区最多样化的鸟类群体，画眉，以重新评估分类学，重建进化关系，并评估影响亚洲热带生物多样性的历史因素。 该研究将涉及博物馆收藏品的详细研究，线粒体和核基因区域的测序，以及系统发育和地球历史数据的整合，以产生迄今为止热带亚洲鸟类多样化的最详细的图片。该项目将对亚洲热带地区的生物多样性进行更准确的评估，并为整个区域的多样化模式制定一个强有力的框架。 它补充了该区域正在进行的生物多样性倡议，其结果将立即用于负责确定独特和多样化动物群的保护生物学家，以确定优先保护领域。 该研究还将为参与机构的本科生和研究生提供重要的教育机会，并通过两个自然历史博物馆的公共展览和外展计划增加公众对生物多样性问题的了解。

Biodiversity study in tropical Asia remains in its infancy largely because the state of basic systematic research lags far behind other regions. This collaborative project will study the region's most diverse bird group, the babblers, in order to re-evaluate taxonomy, reconstruct evolutionary relationships, and assess the historical factors that influenced biological diversification in tropical Asia. The research will involve detailed study of museum collections, sequencing of mitochondrial and nuclear gene regions, and integration of phylogenetic and earth history data to produce the most detailed picture of avian diversification in tropical Asia to date. The project will result in a more accurate assessment of biodiversity in tropical Asia and produce a robust framework of diversification patterns across the region. It complements ongoing biodiversity initiatives in the region and the results will be of immediate use to conservation biologists that are tasked with identifying unique and diverse faunas in order to prioritize areas for protection. The research will also provide significant educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students at the participating institutions, and increase public understanding of biodiversity issues through public exhibits and outreach programs at two natural history museums.