Landscape and taxon age are associated with differing patterns of hybridization in two Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) subgenera.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Hybridization is an important evolutionary process that can have a significant impact on natural plant populations. Eucalyptus species are well known for weak reproductive barriers and extensive hybridization within subgenera, but there is little knowledge of whether patterns of hybridization differ among subgenera. Here, we examine eucalypts of Western Australia's Stirling Range to investigate how patterns of hybridization are associated with landscape and taxon age between the two largest Eucalyptus subgenera: Eucalyptus and Symphyomyrtus. In doing so, we tested a hypothesis of OCBIL (old, climatically buffered, infertile landscape) theory that predicts reduced hybridization on older landscapes.

Methods

Single nucleotide polymorphism markers were applie

SUBMITTER: Robins TP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7750730 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature