Diploid and tetraploid cytotypes of the flagship Cape species Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis (Asteraceae): variation in distribution, ecological niche, morphology and genetics.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The Greater Cape Floristic Region is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots and is considered poor in polyploids. To test this assumption, ploidy variation was investigated in a widespread Cape shrub, Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis (renosterbos, Asteraceae). The aim was to elucidate the cytotype distribution and population composition across the species range, and to assess differences in morphology, environmental niches and genetics.

Methods

Ploidy level and genome size were determined via flow cytometry and cytotype assignment was confirmed by chromosome counting. Restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) analyses were used to infer genetic relationships. Cytotype climatic and environmental niches were compared using a range of environmental lay

SUBMITTER: Chumova Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11082512 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature