Fuzzy species borders of glacial survivalists in the Carpathian biodiversity hotspot revealed using a multimarker approach.

ABSTRACT: The Carpathians are one of the key biodiversity hotspots in Europe. The mountain chain uplifted during Alpine orogenesis and is characterised by a complex geological history. Its current biodiversity was highly influenced by Pleistocene glaciations. The goal of the current study was to examine the phylogenetic and demographic history of Gammarus balcanicus species complex in the Carpathians using multiple markers as well as to delimit, using an integrative approach, and describe new species hidden so far under the name G. balcanicus. Results showed that divergence of the studied lineages reaches back to the Miocene, which supports the hypothesis of their survival in multiple micro refugia. Moreover, the increase of their diversification rate in the Pleistocene suggests that glaciation was

SUBMITTER: Mamos T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8566499 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature