This research proposes to use gene sequences from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of the species of the birds-of-paradise (family Paradisaeidae). The results of this research will be compared with morphological data collected in previous studies in order to describe and explain differences and similarities in their rates of change. The phylogenetic hypotheses will also allow inferences regarding the history of ecological and behavioral change during the diversification of these birds and thus will contribute to our understanding of how patterns of diversity within continental biotas are established over time.
