Data from: Biological traits, phylogeny and human footprint signatures on the geographic range size of passerines (Order Passeriformes) worldwide

Aim Multiple hypotheses exist to explain the astonishing geographic range
size variation across species, but these have rarely been tested under a
unifying framework that simultaneously considers direct and indirect
effects of ecological niche processes and evolutionary dynamics. Here, we
jointly evaluate ecological and evolutionary hypotheses that may account
for global interspecific patterns of range size in the most species-rich
avian order: Passeriformes (perching birds). Location Global Time period
CurrentMajor taxa studied Order Passeriformes Methods We used phylogenetic
path analysis to test for the relationship between eight variables and
range size. Our list of predictors included a set of niche-related
variables (both Grinellian and Eltonian), species-specific morphological
and life-history traits (body size, dispersal ability, fertility),
extrinsic (human footprint) and evolutionary factors (time since
divergence from the closest extant relative). Results We found that
Grinellian (climatic) and Eltonian (trophic) niche breadth are critical to
account for the observed patterns, followed by reproductive effort (as
measured by clutch size). We also found a negative relationship between
native range size and human footprint. The significant and positive
relationship between niche breadth, either Grinnellian or Eltonian, and
range size was consistent across all species, irrespective of their
migratory/resident status or taxonomic grouping (Passeri vs. Tyranni).
Main conclusions Globally, the range sizes of passerine species are
associated with the Grinellian niche so that species with broader
environmental tolerances exhibit larger geographic ranges. These findings
give further empirical support to the positive niche breadth-range size
relationship as a general pattern in ecology.