Comparative phylogeography in the genomic age: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract Aim We consider the opportunities and challenges comparative phylogeography (CP) faces in genomic age to determine: (1) how we can maximise potential of big CP analyses advance biogeographic macroevolutionary theory; (2) what can, will struggle, achieve using approaches this era genomics. Location World‐wide. Taxon All. Methods review literature discuss future ‐ particularly examining insights enabled by genomics that may not be possible for single species and/or few molecular markers. focus on geography species' natural histories interact yield congruent incongruent patterns neutral adaptive processes context both historical recent rapid evolution. also data are being stored, accessed, shared. Results With widespread availability data, shift from a single‐ multi‐locus perspective is resulting detailed inferences an improved statistical rigour phylogeography. However, time effort required collecting co‐distributed accruing species‐specific ecological knowledge continue limiting factors. Bioinformatic skills user‐friendly analytical tools, alongside computational infrastructure limiting. Main conclusions Over last ~35 years, there has been much progress understanding intraspecific genetic variation geographically distributed. The next major steps incorporate evolutionary community perspectives account responses among across temporal scales, including those related anthropogenic change. full only realised if employ robust study designs within sound framework. advocate phylogeographers adopt such consistent enhance comparisons present‐day findings.