Key innovations and niche variation promoted rapid diversification of the widespread Juniperus (Cupressaceae).

ABSTRACT: The processes of forming lineages undergoing widespread radiations remain a knowledge gap that is fundamental to our understanding of the geographic distributions of species. Although early studies emphasized the importance of dispersal ability and historical migration events, key innovations that promote rapid diversification and/or adaptation to new habitats may also strongly influence distribution ranges. Juniperus is the second largest genus of conifers and is widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Here, we used phylogenetic, phenotypic, and climatic data to investigate the contributions of these processes to the wide distribution and rapid diversification of Juniperus. Combining a time-scaled phylogeny and macroevolutionary theory, we show that the key innovations of b

SUBMITTER: Liu K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11329744 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature