Influence of Pliocene and Pleistocene climates on hybridization patterns between two closely related oak species in China.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Contemporary patterns of genetic admixture reflect imprints of both ancient and recent gene flow, which can provide us with valuable information on hybridization history in response to palaeoclimate change. Here, we examine the relationships between present admixture patterns and past climatic niche suitability of two East Asian Cerris oaks (Quercus acutissima and Q. chenii) to test the hypothesis that the mid-Pliocene warm climate promoted while the Pleistocene cool climate limited hybridization among local closely related taxa.

Methods

We analyse genetic variation at seven nuclear microsatellites (1111 individuals) and three chloroplast intergenic spacers (576 individuals) to determine the present admixture pattern and ancient hybridization history. We

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8796672 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature