Genetic divergence and phylogeographic history of two closely related species (Leucomeris decora and Nouelia insignis) across the 'Tanaka Line' in Southwest China.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Leucomeris decora and Nouelia insignis (Asteraceae) are narrowly and allopatrically distributed species, separated by the important biogeographic boundary Tanaka Line in Southwest China. Previous morphological, cytogenetic and molecular studies suggested that L. decora is sister to N. insignis. However, it is less clear how the two species diverged, whether in full isolation or occurring gene flow across the Tanaka Line. Here, we performed a molecular study at the population level to characterize genetic differentiation and decipher phylogeographic history in two closely related species based on variation examined in plastid and nuclear DNAs using a coalescent-based approach.

Results

These morphologically distinct species share plastid DNA (cpDNA) haplotypes. In c

SUBMITTER: Zhao YJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4495643 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature