Ecological divergence between two evolutionary lineages of Hyla savignyi (Audouin, 1827) in Turkey: effects of the Anatolian Diagonal

Abstract

Most of Turkey's land area is covered by one of three biodiversity hotspots (Caucasus, Irano-Anatolian, and Mediterranean). Anatolia is one of the main corridors for postglacial colonization of Europe. Uncovering how populations of a species differ genetically and ecologically is important for understanding evolutionary processes. Here, I examined ecological information to define ecological divergence between two lineages of Hyla savignyi. Using ecological niche modeling, I determined whether the two genetically divergent lineages of H. savignyi are geographically isolated and addressed the effect of the geographical distribution in the Anatolian Diagonal on the lineages. Separate analysis of the lineages showed no overlap of their predicted ranges based on climatic data of their respective habitats. This suggests that the lineages were formed as a result of range fragmentation during the Ice Age, and were consequently adapted to different climatic conditions.

Climatic preferences and distribution of 6 evolutionary lineages ofTyphlops vermicularis Merrem, 1820 in Turkey using ecological niche modeling

“…All models support this vicariance with different climatic preferences for lineages C and G of T. vermicularis, because lineage C (Figure 2 (2, 2A, 2B, 2C)) prefers drier habitats than does lineage G (Figure 3 (4, 4A, 4B, 4C)). Similarly, Gül (2013) showed that lineage 1 of Hyla savignyi appeared to be confined to warmer and drier habitats in the area east of the Anatolian Diagonal, whereas lineage 2 of Hyla savignyi was found in cooler and wetter regions. Nearly simultaneous phylogenetic splits introducing lineage E occurred during the Late Pliocene or Early Pleistocene at 3.0 Mya (2.4-4.3 Mya) (Kornilios et al, 2012).…”

Anatolian origins and diversification of Aethionema, the sister lineage of the core Brassicaceae

“…The north/east–south/west orientation of the diagonal provides the connection between the east‐west directed mountains of the Mediterranean and the Caspian Sea (Médail and Diadema, 2009; Ansell et al, 2011). The Anatolian Diagonal has been shown to serve as a barrier for some animal species (Gül, 2013; Vamberger et al, 2013) or as a diversification spot for other groups (Stümpel et al, 2016). However, as Davis (1971) already suggested, the Anatolian Diagonal might have served as a land bridge between east and west for plants.…”

“…They include the genus Ricotia (Özüdoğru et al, 2015) and the tribe Arabideae (Ansell et al, 2011; Karl et al, 2012; Karl and Koch, 2013). There are only a few other studies covering the biogeographic history of Anatolian and Irano‐Turanian plants (e.g., Font et al, 2009; Manafzadeh et al, 2016), though several animal groups are better represented (e.g., Bilgin et al, 2006; Gül, 2013). Therefore, more studies are needed in this area to understand both historical biogeographic patterns and the evolution of ecologically important plant characters.…”

From species to trait evolution in Aethionema (Brassicaceae)

“…Hence the mountains of the Anatolian Diagonal connect the otherwise isolated mainly west-eastern oriented Anatolian mountain ranges (Ansell et al 2011). The Anatolian Diagonal has been regarded as a barrier for animals (Gül 2013, Vamberger et al 2013) and a migratory route for plant species (Ansell et al 2011, Mummenhoff et al 2001, Jordon-Thaden 2009, Karl & Koch 2013. Twenty-four percent of the Brassicaceae species occur in the Irano-Turanian region (Koch & Kiefer 2006) and it has been hypothesized to be the "ancestral area" or centre of origin for the entire Brassicaceae , Couvreur et al 2010, Franzke et al 2011, Warwick et al 2010, Hedge 1976).…”

“…The Anatolian Diagonal has been shown to serve as a barrier for some animal species (Gül 2013, Vamberger et al 2013 or as a diversification spot for other groups (Stümpel et al 2016). However, as Davis (1971) already suggested, the Anatolian Diagonal might have served as a land bridge between east and west for plants.…”