Data from: Conserving evolutionary history does not result in greater diversity over geological timescales

These contrasting schemes also map onto contrasting predictions about the role of slow diversifiers in the production of biodiversity over paleontological time scales. We consider the performance of the two schemes across ten dated species-level paleo-phylogenetic trees ranging from foraminifera to dinosaurs. We find that prioritizing phylogenetic diversity for conservation generally led to fewer subsequent lineages, while prioritizing diversifiers led to modestly more subsequent diversity, compared to random sets of lineages.

Importantly for conservation, the tree shape when decisions are made cannot predict which scheme will be most successful. These patterns are inconsistent with the notion that long-lived lineages are the source of new species. While there may be sound reasons for prioritizing phylogenetic diversity for conservation, long-term species production might not be one of them.

Usage notes

Datasets S1 to S10. Phylogenetic datasets Phylogenetic datasets used in our analyses. Each dataset is a nexus file including a tree distribution with 100 trees (except for planktonic foraminifera).

Phylogenetic Datasets S1-S10.zip