Timing and Tempo of Early and Successive Adaptive Radiations in Macaronesia
Author Information
Author(s): Kim Seung-Chul, McGowen Michael R., Lubinsky Pesach, Barber Janet C., Mort Mark E., Santos-Guerra Arnoldo
Primary Institution: University of California Riverside
Hypothesis
The study investigates the timing and rate of diversification of endemic plant lineages in Macaronesia.
Conclusion
The study identifies three discrete windows of colonization for the Canary Islands and suggests that adaptive radiation of major Macaronesian plant endemics varies from moderate to relatively rapid speciation rates.
Supporting Evidence
- The flora of Macaronesia is exceptionally rich and diverse, with a high degree of endemism.
- Three discrete windows of colonization during the Miocene and early Pliocene were identified for the plant lineages.
- The tempo of adaptive radiations differs among the groups but is relatively rapid compared to continental and other island radiations.
Takeaway
This study looks at how plants in the Macaronesian islands evolved over time, showing that they spread and changed quickly during certain periods.
Methodology
The study used molecular divergence estimates and rates of diversification for five representative plant lineages.
Limitations
The study does not provide a comprehensive investigation of all Macaronesian flowering plant radiations due to a lack of robust phylogenetic frameworks.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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