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Historical biome distribution and recent human disturbance shape the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Author(s) -
Pärtel Meelis,
Öpik Maarja,
Moora Mari,
Tedersoo Leho,
SzavaKovats Robert,
Rosendahl Søren,
Rillig Matthias C.,
Lekberg Ylva,
Kreft Holger,
Helgason Thorunn,
Eriksson Ove,
Davison John,
Bello Francesco,
Caruso Tancredi,
Zobel Martin
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/nph.14695
Subject(s) - biodiversity , ecology , biome , biology , disturbance (geology) , alpha diversity , species richness , ecosystem diversity , gamma diversity , global biodiversity , taxon , species diversity , diversity index , geography , ecosystem , paleontology
Summary The availability of global microbial diversity data, collected using standardized metabarcoding techniques, makes microorganisms promising models for investigating the role of regional and local factors in driving biodiversity. Here we modelled the global diversity of symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal ( AM ) fungi using currently available data on AM fungal molecular diversity (small subunit ( SSU ) ribosomal RNA ( rRNA ) gene sequences) in field samples. To differentiate between regional and local effects, we estimated species pools (sets of potentially suitable taxa) for each site, which are expected to reflect regional processes. We then calculated community completeness, an index showing the fraction of the species pool present, which is expected to reflect local processes. We found significant spatial variation, globally in species pool size, as well as in local and dark diversity (absent members of the species pool). Species pool size was larger close to areas containing tropical grasslands during the last glacial maximum, which are possible centres of diversification. Community completeness was greater in regions of high wilderness (remoteness from human disturbance). Local diversity was correlated with wilderness and current connectivity to mountain grasslands. Applying the species pool concept to symbiotic fungi facilitated a better understanding of how biodiversity can be jointly shaped by large‐scale historical processes and recent human disturbance.