From Asia to the Americas: A New Cross-Continental Perspective on Viper Biogeography and Habitat Dynamics

Abstract

Aim

We investigate the biogeographical history of the family Viperidae, focusing on how habitat use influenced the geographical range evolution of the group. We tested key hypotheses on the origins and biogeographical processes of major clades within Viperidae, including the colonisation of the New World.

Location

Worldwide.

Taxon

Vipers (Serpentes: Viperidae).

Methods

We used four recently published phylogenies of Viperidae and applied maximum likelihood (ML) models with trait-specific parameters (habitats) in BioGeoBEARS to estimate ancestral geographical ranges and habitat use.

Results

Our results support an Asian origin for the Viperidae family, with a likely trans-Pacific dispersal to Central America instead of the Beringian land bridge route. The subfamily Viperinae must have originated in Africa, while the genus Lachesis likely emerged in South + Central America. Habitat reconstructions showed varied impacts of forested and open habitats on diversification and biogeographical processes when comparing the first three phylogenies with the last one.

Main Conclusions

We highlight the significant role of habitat use in viper diversification and range evolution. Differently from what was previously suggested, our findings indicate a trans-Pacific dispersal route for New World vipers.