Time and space in biogeography: response to Parenti & Ebach

A recent Guest Editorial by Parenti & Ebach (2013, Journal of Biogeography, 40, 813�820) disagrees with the methods or interpretations in two of our recent papers. In addition, the authors open a debate on biogeographical concepts, and present an alternative philosophy for biogeographical research in the context of their recently described biogeographical subregion called �Pandora�. We disagree with their approach and conclusions, and comment on several issues related to our differing conceptual approaches for biogeographical research; namely, our use of molecular phylogenetic analyses, including time estimates; and Parenti & Ebach's reliance on taxon/general area cladograms. Finally, we re-examine their �tests� supporting the existence of �Pandora�