Premium
Historical biogeography of Breynia (Phyllanthaceae): what caused speciation?
Author(s) -
Welzen Peter C.,
Pruesapan Kanchana,
Telford Ian R. H.,
Bruhl Jeremy J.
Publication year - 2015
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/jbi.12517
Subject(s) - vicariance , biological dispersal , biogeography , biology , ecology , endemism , pollinator , phylogeography , molecular clock , allopatric speciation , sympatry , cladogram , pollination , clade , sympatric speciation , phylogenetic tree , pollen , population , biochemistry , demography , sociology , gene
Aim The dated phylogeny of Breynia (including Sauropus ) was used to analyse historical biogeographical patterns and to compare the speciation events with tectonic occurrences and biotic and abiotic aspects. Location Southeast Asia, Malesia and Australia. Methods Existing molecular markers ( trn S– trn G, acc D– psa I, PHYC and ITS ) were used in beast to make a Bayesian age estimate with an exponential relaxed molecular clock. The resulting cladograms and maximum clade credibility ( MCC ) tree were used as input in statistical dispersal–vicariance analysis (S‐ DIVA option in the rasp package). Results Breynia originated 25–20 Ma in Thailand (western part of northern to southern Thailand) up to peninsular Malaysia. Dispersal occurred in various directions (India+Sri Lanka, China+Indochina, Malesia+Australia) establishing widespread species. Most species evolved locally in the area of origin and a relatively high number of species form limestone endemics. Main conclusions There is little correlation between tectonic movements and dispersal patterns in Breynia . Only the dispersal over Wallace's Line occurred when stepping stones were in place. Speciation, especially in the area of origin seems to be linked to soil (limestone endemics) and pollination, as indicated by the presence of deviating inflorescences in B . subgen. Sauropus (no pollinators are known yet) and the obligate moth pollination in B . sect. Breynia . Moreover, B . sect. Breynia and three widespread species of B . subgen. Sauropus have (more) fleshy fruits and all these taxa generally have wide distributions, probably because of bird dispersal.