Unmasking cryptic biodiversity in polyploids: origin and diversification of Aster amellus aggregate.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The origin of different cytotypes by autopolyploidy may be an important mechanism in plant diversification. Although cryptic autopolyploids probably comprise the largest fraction of overlooked plant diversity, our knowledge of their origin and evolution is still rather limited. Here we study the presumed autopolyploid aggregate of Aster amellus, which encompasses diploid and hexaploid cytotypes. Although the cytotypes of A. amellus are not morphologically distinguishable, previous studies showed spatial segregation and limited gene flow between them, which could result in different evolutionary trajectories for each cytotype.

Methods

We combine macroevolutionary, microevolutionary and niche modelling tools to disentangle the origin and the demographic his

SUBMITTER: Mairal M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6266133 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature