How Long Ago Did African and South American Cichlids Diverge?
The Evolutionary History of Cichlids
Cichlids are a large group of fish found in tropical and subtropical waters all over the world. They have an incredibly diverse range of species, and they have been studied extensively by scientists, especially in terms of their evolution. Cichlids are believed to have separated from other fish species around 200 million years ago, and they have been diversifying ever since.
African and South American Cichlids
African and South American cichlids are two distinct groups of cichlids. They share many similarities, such as their relatively large size and striking colors, but they are also different in some ways. African cichlids are more aggressive and territorial than South American cichlids, and they have evolved different body shapes and behaviors.
The Divergence of African and South American Cichlids
The exact time when African and South American cichlids diverged is not known. However, the two groups have been separated for at least 35 million years, and likely much longer. This divergence likely happened due to the splitting of the supercontinent Gondwana, which caused the two groups of cichlids to become isolated from each other.
The Impact of the Divergence
The divergence of African and South American cichlids had a major impact on the evolution of both groups. The long period of isolation allowed each group to develop its own unique traits and behaviors, which have been further refined over time. As a result, the two groups of cichlids are now quite distinct from each other.
Conclusion
In conclusion, African and South American cichlids diverged from each other at least 35 million years ago, likely due to the splitting of the supercontinent Gondwana. This divergence had a major impact on the evolution of both groups, resulting in the two distinct groups of cichlids we see today.