Diversity and distribution of ferns in sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar and some islands of the South Atlantic.

ABSTRACT: Aim  This paper reports the diversity and endemism patterns of African ferns, and explores the potential role of diversity refuges and environmental and historical factors in the shaping of these patterns. Material and locations  The extant fern taxa occupying Africa south of the Sahara, Madagascar and some islands of the South Atlantic. Methods  The number of taxa in each area or operational geographical unit (OGU) was scored, and the correlation between this number and physical and climatic variables analysed by standard pairwise and stepwise multiple regression analysis (SPR and SMR). The effects of biological factors such as dispersal capacity, reproductive biology, genetic features and certain physiological adaptations were evaluated by comparing the number of spe

SUBMITTER: Aldasoro JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7166856 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature