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The extraordinary journey of Peperomia subgenus Tildenia (Piperaceae): insights into diversification and colonization patterns from its cradle in Peru to the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt
Author(s) -
Symmank Lars,
Samain MarieStéphanie,
Smith James F.,
Pino Guillermo,
Stoll Alexandra,
Goetghebeur Paul,
Neinhuis Christoph,
Wanke Stefan
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of biogeography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.7
H-Index - 158
eISSN - 1365-2699
pISSN - 0305-0270
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2699.2011.02586.x
Subject(s) - biological dispersal , vicariance , subgenus , biogeography , geography , southern hemisphere , phylogeography , ecology , biology , taxonomy (biology) , phylogenetics , population , biochemistry , demography , sociology , gene
Aim Peperomia subgenus Tildenia consists of c . 60 species growing in seasonal habitats of Neotropical mountain areas from Mexico to Argentina. The subgenus can be split geographically, with almost equal diversity in the Northern Hemisphere (centred in Mexico and Guatemala) and in the Southern Hemisphere (centred in Peru and Bolivia). Only a few species are known from a limited number of localities between these two hotspots. As such, Tildenia is an ideal candidate with which to test time, direction and mode of migration of high mountain taxa against the background of the ‘Great American Biotic Interchange’. Location The Andes with focus on the Central Andes, and the Mexican mountain chains, especially the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt. Methods To elucidate the spatio‐temporal origin, subsequent colonization and radiation of Tildenia , we combine Bayesian phylogenetics based on the chloroplast trn K –mat K –psb A region, georeferenced distribution data, and fossil calibrated molecular dating approaches using both penalized likelihood and relaxed phylogenetics. Reconstruction of the ancestral distribution area was performed using dispersal–vicariance analysis and dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis. Results Peperomia subgenus Tildenia is subdivided into six Andean clades and one Mexican and Central American clade originating from a north/central Peruvian ancestor. Molecular dating approaches converge on a stem age of c. 38 Ma for Tildenia and a mostly Miocene diversification and colonization. Main conclusions We detect a strong correlation between diversification of Tildenia and orogenetic events in the respective distribution centres. In the Andes, distribution was influenced by the Altiplano–Eastern Cordillera System as well as the Amotape‐Huancabamba Zone, where the latter serves as both migration barrier and migration bridge for different clades. In contrast to most studies of high‐elevation taxa, we provide support for a south–north colonization towards Central America and Mexico, and provide additional, independent evidence for the latest view on the timing of the Great American Biotic Interchange. In Mexico, the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt has played a major role in more recent radiations together with climatic oscillation and the formation of refugia.