Niche and phenotypic differentiation in fern hybrid speciation, a case study of Pteris fauriei (Pteridaceae).

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Niche differentiation is a crucial issue in speciation. Although it has a well-known role in adaptive processes of hybrid angiosperms, it is less understood in hybrid ferns. Here, we investigate whether an intermediate ecological niche of a fern hybrid is a novel adaptation that provides insights into fern hybrid speciation.

Methods

Pteris fauriei (Pteridaceae) is a natural hybrid fern, occurring in environments between its parent species. The maternal Pteris minor is found in sunny areas, but the habitat of the paternal Pteris latipinna is shady. We combined data from morphology, leaf anatomy and photosynthetic traits to explore adaptation and differentiation, along with measuring the environmental features of their niches. We also performed experiments

SUBMITTER: Chao YS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11756704 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature