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Molecular phylogenetics of an aquatic plant lineage, Potamogetonaceae
Author(s) -
Lindqvist Charlotte,
De Laet Jan,
Haynes Robert R.,
Aagesen Lone,
Keener Brian R.,
Albert Victor A.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
cladistics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.323
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 1096-0031
pISSN - 0748-3007
DOI - 10.1111/j.1096-0031.2006.00124.x
Subject(s) - biology , monophyly , lineage (genetic) , phylogenetic tree , character evolution , clade , biogeography , phylogenetics , evolutionary biology , convergent evolution , zoology , botany , ecology , genetics , gene
Like most aquatic plants, the pondweeds (Potamogetonaceae) are among the most phenotypically reduced and plastic of all angiosperms. As such, hypotheses of structural homology present difficulties for morphological phylogenetic reconstruction. We used non‐coding nuclear and plastid DNA data to address Potamogetonaceae relationships and accompanying issues in character evolution and biogeography. Genera currently assigned to Potamogetonaceae, plus Zannichellia , formed a strongly supported monophyletic group. Potamogeton and Stuckenia ( Potamogeton subg. Coleogeton ) were both resolved as monophyletic. Within Potamogeton proper, two major clades followed the traditional split between broad‐ and narrow‐leaved species, with the latter condition optimized as basal. Heterophylly (submerged plus floating leaves) has evolved several times, and the ancestral distribution for Potamogeton appears to be Northern Hemispheric. Our phylogenetic results have provided a useful genetic framework from which to interpret morphological, cytological and biogeographical evolution. © The Willi Hennig Society 2006.