Despite phylogenetic effects, C3-C4 lineages bridge the ecological gap to C4 photosynthesis.

ABSTRACT: C₄ photosynthesis is a physiological innovation involving several anatomical and biochemical components that emerged recurrently in flowering plants. This complex trait evolved via a series of physiological intermediates, broadly termed 'C₃-C₄', which have been widely studied to understand C₄ origins. While this research program has focused on biochemistry, physiology, and anatomy, the ecology of these intermediates remains largely unexplored. Here, we use global occurrence data and local habitat descriptions to characterize the niches of multiple C₃-C₄ lineages, as well as their close C₃ and C₄ relatives. While C₃-C₄ taxa tend to occur in warm climates, their abiotic niches are sp

SUBMITTER: Lundgren MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5853900 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature