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July 5th, 2025
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INRAE
ecology
biorxiv

Biomes do not show a clear-cut phylogeny

Gaucherel, C.Open in Google Scholar•Nous, C.Open in Google Scholar•Hely, C.Open in Google Scholar

Shifts between biomes, the broad types of ecosystems, are far less understood than other ecological transitions. In this study, we aimed at identifying a possible and preliminary lineage between terrestrial biomes on Earth by using up-to-date phylogenetic methods. Although a deep statistical power was lacking, we built on expert knowledge a double-entry table filled by a variety of traits characterizing all the 14 terrestrial biomes on Earth. As a central result, the biome phylogeny computed here is a clear approximation of the dominant biome successions observed on Earth. Latitudes (i.e., locations), not included into the trait table, may first explain the computed phylogeny. In particular, tropical biomes appeared well related and exhibited a possible common ancestor (higher than 50% confidence level). We discussed this possible history of terrestrial biome on Earth, along to the involved processes over the long term. This helped explaining how biomes differ from purely biological materials and partly why ecosystems are not evolving as life does.

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