Biogeography and evolution of Melanesian and South Pacific ants

Abstract

This thesis investigates the systematics, biogeography, and diversification dynamics of a large and ecologically important insect group in SE Asia and the Indo-Pacific region: the ants. This study utilizes a multidisciplinary framework to elucidate the evolutionary history of selected ant clades with the overall aim to shed light on similar ecological and evolutionary processes intervening in ant diversity.