Recent range expansion in Australian hummock grasses (Triodia) inferred using genotyping-by-sequencing.

ABSTRACT: The Australian arid zone (AAZ) has undergone aridification and the formation of vast sandy deserts since the mid-Miocene. Studies on AAZ organisms, particularly animals, have shown patterns of mesic ancestry, persistence in rocky refugia and range expansions in arid lineages. There has been limited molecular investigation of plants in the AAZ, particularly of taxa that arrived in Australia after the onset of aridification. Here we investigate populations of the widespread AAZ grass Triodia basedowii to determine whether there is evidence for a recent range expansion, and if so, its source and direction. We also undertake a dating analysis for the species complex to which T. basedowii belongs, in order to place its diversification in relation to changes in AAZ climate and land

SUBMITTER: Anderson BM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6481909 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature