Evolution and conservation genetics of an insular hemiparasitic plant lineage at the limit of survival: the case of Thesium sect. Kunkeliella in the Canary Islands.

ABSTRACT:

Premise

The diversification of island flora has been widely studied. However, the role of environmental niches in insular radiation processes has been less investigated. We combined population genetic analyses with species distribution modelling to clarify the genetic relationships, diversification patterns, species niche requirements, and conservation of Thesium sect. Kunkeliella, a clade of rare hemiparasitic plants endemic to the Canaries.

Methods

We studied the three extant Thesium species and a new taxon from La Palma Island. We developed 12 microsatellites and performed population genetic analysis and studied the demographic history of the group. To evaluate the role of niche conservatism in the diversification of the group, we performed species distribution modelling

SUBMITTER: Rodriguez-Rodriguez P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9415105 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature