Global patterns and a latitudinal gradient of flower disparity: perspectives from the angiosperm order Ericales.

ABSTRACT: Morphological diversity (disparity) is an essential but often neglected aspect of biodiversity. Hence, it seems timely and promising to re-emphasize morphology in modern evolutionary studies. Disparity is a good proxy for the diversity of functions and interactions with the environment of a group of taxa. In addition, geographical and ecological patterns of disparity are crucial to understand organismal evolution and to guide biodiversity conservation efforts. Here, we analyse floral disparity across latitudinal intervals, growth forms, climate types, types of habitats, and regions for a large and representative sample of the angiosperm order Ericales. We find a latitudinal gradient of floral disparity and a decoupling of disparity from species richness. Other factors investigated are inte

SUBMITTER: Chartier M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8048689 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature