Seed size and its rate of evolution correlate with species diversification across angiosperms.

ABSTRACT: Species diversity varies greatly across the different taxonomic groups that comprise the Tree of Life (ToL). This imbalance is particularly conspicuous within angiosperms, but is largely unexplained. Seed mass is one trait that may help clarify why some lineages diversify more than others because it confers adaptation to different environments, which can subsequently influence speciation and extinction. The rate at which seed mass changes across the angiosperm phylogeny may also be linked to diversification by increasing reproductive isolation and allowing access to novel ecological niches. However, the magnitude and direction of the association between seed mass and diversification has not been assessed across the angiosperm phylogeny. Here, we show that absolute seed size and the rate of

SUBMITTER: Igea J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5536390 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature