Unscrambling phylogenetic effects and ecological determinants of chromosome number in major angiosperm clades.

ABSTRACT: As variations in the chromosome number are recognized to be of evolutionary interest but are also widely debated in the literature, we aimed to quantitatively test for possible relationships among the chromosome number, plant traits, and environmental factors. In particular, the chromosome number and drivers of its variation were examined in 801 Italian endemic vascular plants, for a total of 1364 accessions. We estimated phylogenetic inertia and adaptation in chromosome number - based on an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process - and related chromosome numbers with other plant traits and environmental variables. Phylogenetic effects in chromosome number varied among the examined clades but were generally high. Chromosome numbers were poorly related to large scale climatic conditions, while a stronge

SUBMITTER: Carta A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6155329 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature