Understanding spatial patterns of biodiversity: How sensitive is phylogenetic endemism to the randomisation model?

Abstract

Mapping spatial patterns of phylogenetic diversity helps identify regions of unique evolutionary history warranting conservation. Randomisations form an integral component of this process. Here we test the sensitivity of a method used to identify unusual concentrations of old and new evolutionary history to the underlying randomisation. The results indicate low sensitivity to models of complete spatial randomness and spatial structure (proximal allocation and random walks).