Molecular evolutionary rates predict both extinction and speciation in temperate angiosperm lineages.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A positive relationship between diversification (i.e., speciation) and nucleotide substitution rates is commonly reported for angiosperm clades. However, the underlying cause of this relationship is often unknown because multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors can affect the relationship, and these have confounded previous attempts infer causation. Determining which factor drives this oft-reported correlation can lend insight into the macroevolutionary process.

Results

Using a new database of 13 time-calibrated angiosperm phylogenies based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, and controlling for extrinsic variables of life history and habitat, I evaluated several potential intrinsic causes of this correlation. Speciation rates (lambda) and relative ext

SUBMITTER: Lancaster LT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2901258 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature