A key step in understanding the distribution of biodiversity is the grouping of regions based on their shared elements. Historically, regionalization schemes have been largely species centric. Recently, there has been interest in incorporating phylogenetic information into regionalization schemes. Phylogenetic regionalization can provide novel insights into the mechanisms that generate, distribute, and maintain biodiversity. We argue that four processes (dispersal limitation, extinction, speciation, and niche conservatism) underlie the formation of species assemblages into phylogenetically distinct biogeographic units. We outline how it can be possible to distinguish among these processes, and identify centers of evolutionary radiation, museums of diversity, and extinction hotspots. We suggest that phylogenetic regionalization provides a rigorous and objective classification of regional diversity and enhances our knowledge of biodiversity patterns.

理解生物多样性分布的关键步骤是根据区域的共有要素对区域进行分组。从历史上看，区域化计划主要以物种为中心。近来，已经有兴趣将系统发育信息纳入区域划分方案。系统发育区域化可以为产生，分布和维持生物多样性的机制提供新颖的见解。我们认为，四个过程（扩散限制，灭绝，物种形成和生态位保守性）是物种集合形成系统发育上不同的生物地理单位的基础。我们概述了如何区分这些过程，并确定进化辐射的中心，多样性博物馆和灭绝热点。