Redefining floristic zones in the Korean Peninsula using high‐resolution georeferenced specimen data and self‐organizing maps

Abstract

The use of biota to analyze the distribution pattern of biogeographic regions is essential to gain a better understanding of the ecological processes that cause biotic differentiation and biodiversity at multiple spatiotemporal scales. Recently, the collection of high‐resolution biological distribution data (e.g., specimens) and advances in analytical theory have led to the quantitative analysis and more refined spatial delineation of biogeographic regions. This study was conducted to redefine floristic zones in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and to better understand the eco‐evolutionary significance of the spatial distribution patterns. Based on 309,333 distribution data of 2,954 vascular plant species in the Korean Peninsula, we derived floristic zones using self‐organizing maps. We compared the characteristics of the derived regions with those of historical floristic zones and ecologically important environmental factors (climate, geology, and geography). In the clustering analysis of the floristic assemblages, four distinct regions were identified, namely, the cold floristic zone (Zone I) in high‐altitude regions at the center of the Korean Peninsula, cool floristic zone (Zone II) in high‐altitude regions in the south of the Korean Peninsula, warm floristic zone (Zone III) in low‐altitude regions in the central and southern parts of the Korean Peninsula, and maritime warm floristic zone (Zone IV) including the volcanic islands Jejudo and Ulleungdo. Totally, 1,099 taxa were common to the four floristic zones. Zone IV showed the highest abundance of specific plants (those found in only one zone), with 404 taxa. Our study improves floristic zone definitions using high‐resolution regional biological distribution data. It will help better understand and re‐establish regional species diversity. In addition, our study provides key data for hotspot analysis required for the conservation of plant diversity.

Genetic structure and geneflow of Malus across the Korean Peninsula using genotyping-by-sequencing

“…Several studies attempted to subdivide the biogeographic region of the Korean Peninsula 88 – 91 . Jung and Cho 91 segregated four biogeographic regions based on the coordinates of 310,000 vascular plant specimens collected from the Korean Peninsula. In the population groups redefined in Table 1 , C1 and C7, which share similar genetic profiles (Fig.…”

“…In the population groups redefined in Table 1 , C1 and C7, which share similar genetic profiles (Fig. 6 ) belonged to the central Korean Peninsula, named Zone I (Cold floristic zone) and Zone II (Cool floristic zone) 91 . C3, which included five populations of M. toringo with similar genetic profiles belonged to Zone III (Warm floristic zone) and Zone IV (Miratic zone 2) 91 .…”

“…6 ) belonged to the central Korean Peninsula, named Zone I (Cold floristic zone) and Zone II (Cool floristic zone) 91 . C3, which included five populations of M. toringo with similar genetic profiles belonged to Zone III (Warm floristic zone) and Zone IV (Miratic zone 2) 91 . C2 belonged to the boundary between Zone II and Zone III in the low-altitude regions of the Korean Peninsula 91 , which is similar to the biogeographic regional boundary proposed by Lee and Yim 90 .…”

“…C3, which included five populations of M. toringo with similar genetic profiles belonged to Zone III (Warm floristic zone) and Zone IV (Miratic zone 2) 91 . C2 belonged to the boundary between Zone II and Zone III in the low-altitude regions of the Korean Peninsula 91 , which is similar to the biogeographic regional boundary proposed by Lee and Yim 90 . Nevertheless, the possibility that the distance between populations, altitude, and climatic zone changes affect the genetic composition of Malus cannot be ruled out (Table 2 ).…”

Relative Importance of Landscape and Climate Factors to the Species Diversity of Plant Growth Forms along an East Asian Archipelago

“…In addition, the islands are predominantly distributed on the west and south coasts of South Korea [25]. These islands are widely distributed between 33°07′ N 124°47′ E and 37°57′ N 128°34′ E. Owing to the geographical characteristics of the Korean Peninsula and the marine climate, the islands have a variety of climatic and vegetation zones [26]. The major vegetation on the islands includes (1) [27,28].…”