Abstract Detail

Biogeography

Meek, Jared [1], Ree, Richard [2], Eaton, Deren [3].

Mountain phylogeography and conservation: a case study in Pedicularis (Orobanchaceae).

The Hengduan Mountains region of southwest China is a temperate biodiversity hotspot characterized by high rates of plant endemism, including approximately 300 endemic species of Pedicularis (Orobanchaceae). Isolation in allopatry following mountain uplift 8-10 mya, combined with glacial dynamics and species migration along river corridors, has likely contributed to high rates of speciation within this genus. In order to accurately identify the major geographic barriers influencing this speciation process, we used genomic data (RADseq) and comparative phylogeographic methods to characterize the history of divergence and gene flow among six widespread species of Pedicularis. In recent decades, infrastructure development has substantially altered this mountain landscape - connecting previously isolated areas by roads and tunnels - with the potential to threaten endemic biodiversity through genetic homogenization. Our inferred phylogeographic history of Pedicularis can be used in future research to determine whether recent gene flow has occurred across historical barriers due to human influence, thus aiding plant conservation efforts in this biodiversity hotspot.

1 - Columbia University, Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, 10th Floor Schermerhorn Ext., 1200 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, United States
2 - Field Museum Of Natural History, Botany, 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605, United States
3 - Columbia University, Ecology, Evolution, And Environmental Biology, 1200 Amsterdam Ave. , Schermerhorn Ext. Office 1007, New York, NY, 10027, United States

Keywords:
Landscape genetics
phylogenomics
Alpine/montane.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: BIOG1, Biogeography I
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Tuesday, July 28th, 2020
Time: 10:00 AM
Number: BIOG1001
Abstract ID:152
Candidate for Awards:None