The Diversity and Evolution of Quails and Allies (Aves: Galliformes: Phasianidae: Coturnicini) in the Miocene–Early Pleistocene of Eurasia. Introduction

The introduction provides general information on the diversity, evolutionary history, and fossil record of quails and allies (Aves: Phasianidae: Coturnicini). Estimates on the dates of divergence of particular taxa of Coturnicini based on molecular data are critically reviewed. It is concluded that most of the divergence dates are too old, since they are based on inappropriate fossil calibrations. When appropriate calibrations are used, estimated divergence dates are much more consistent with the overall fossil record of this group.