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Abstract
Tropical biotas provide excellent settings in which to explore mechanisms of evolutionary
diversification, yet these processes remain poorly understood. Pioneering work on
biodiversity patterns and diversification processes in other tropical regions has
recently been complemented by studies in Madagascar. Here we review diversity models
and diversification mechanisms proposed for the fauna of this island and the perspectives
for testing them. Madagascar has a diverse biota that has evolved in isolation, and
is characterised by regionally pronounced and locally steep environmental gradients,
common patterns of microendemism across taxa and numerous evolutionary radiations.
These characteristics establish Madagascar as a promising system for the study of
pattern and process in species diversification.