Tracing the impact of the Andean uplift on Neotropical plant evolution

Abstract

Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed the major role played by the uplift of the Andes in the extraordinary diversification of the Neotropical flora. These studies, however, have typically considered the Andean uplift as a single, time-limited event fostering the evolution of highland elements. This contrasts with geological reconstructions indicating that the uplift occurred in discrete periods from west to east and that it affected different regions at different times. We introduce an approach for integrating Andean tectonics with biogeographic reconstructions of Neotropical plants, using the coffee family (Rubiaceae) as a model group. The distribution of this family spans highland and montane habitats as well as tropical lowlands of Central and South America, thus offering a unique opportunity to study the influence of the Andean uplift on the entire Neotropical flora. Our results suggest that the Rubiaceae originated in the Paleotropics and used the boreotropical connection to reach South America. The biogeographic patterns found corroborate the existence of a long-lasting dispersal barrier between the Northern and Central Andes, the ''Western Andean Portal.'' The uplift of the Eastern Cordillera ended this barrier, allowing dispersal of boreotropical lineages to the South, but gave rise to a huge wetland system (''Lake Pebas'') in western Amazonia that prevented in situ speciation and floristic dispersal between the Andes and Amazonia for at least 6 million years. Here, we provide evidence of these events in plants.biogeography ͉ Neotropical biodiversity ͉ Rubiaceae

A well-sampled phylogenetic analysis of the polystichoid ferns (Dryopteridaceae) suggests a complex biogeographical history involving both boreotropical migrations and recent transoceanic dispersals

“…This hypothesis is also congruent with the biogeographical history of Central American and Andean Polystichum proposed by Driscoll and Barrington (2007) as well as McHenry and Barrington (2014), who suggested that the Neotropical clade has a northern origin, and that the Andean Polystichum lineage originated from a boreotropical Mexican ancestor. A similar biogeographical pattern has been proposed for other boreotropical fern (e.g., Nephrolepis: Hennequin et al, 2010;Diplazium: Wei et al, 2015), as well as angiosperm taxa (Fabaceae: Lavin et al, 2001; Malpighiaceae: Davis et al, 2002;Sapotaceae: Smedmark and Anderberg, 2007; Rubiaceae: Antonelli et al, 2009;Annonaceae: Erkens et al, 2009). Here the boreotropical scenario is supported by several Northern Hemisphere fossils dating back to the early Paleogene indicating an ancient occurrence in regions viewed as former boreotropical provinces.…”

“…Ching (Polypodiaceae), in which pulses of diversification coincide with the uplift of QTP and climate change Wang et al, 2012). Whereas recent investigations have highlighted the key role of the Andean orogeny in the diversification of several South American clades (e.g., Hughes and Eastwood, 2006;Antonelli et al, 2009;Hoorn et al, 2010), the precise impact of the QTP uplift on the evolution of Eastern Asian biota remains poorly understood (Favre et al, 2014) and the diversification pattern of a only a few taxa such as Saussurea DC. (Wang et al, 2009), Lilium L. (Gao et al, 2013) and Rhodiola L. (Zhang et al, 2014) has been investigated.…”

“…Cooling of the climate and tectonic movements during the early Oligocene led to the fragmentation of the boreotropical belt, and the migration of paratropical elements southward to tropical refuges, such as southwest China, Southeast Asia, Central America, and Mexico (Morley, 2003;Zachos et al, 2001). Whereas a boreotropical migration pattern has been identified in many angiosperm groups (e.g., Fabaceae: Lavin et al, 2001; Malpighiaceae: Davis et al, 2002;Sapotaceae: Smedmark and Anderberg, 2007; Rubiaceae: Antonelli et al, 2009;Annonaceae: Erkens et al, 2009), only a few fern studies invoked boreotropical connections as an explanation for intercontinental disjunctions (e.g., Nephrolepis Schott, Hennequin et al, 2010; Asplenium L., Schneider et al, 2004a; Diplazium Sw., Wei et al, 2015). Therefore, the boreotropical hypothesis should be carefully tested when reconstructing biogeographical scenario in ferns.…”

Evolutionary events in Lilium (including Nomocharis, Liliaceae) are temporally correlated with orogenies of the Q–T plateau and the Hengduan Mountains

“…He proposed that the H-D Movement should be recognized as an independent phase in the Q-T Plateau orogeny (Chen, 1992(Chen, , 1996. Previous authors have suggested that the timing and rate of biological speciation may provide insight into the timing of orogenic events (e.g., Antonelli et al, 2009;Picard et al, 2008;Stigall Rode and Lieberman, 2005;Che et al, 2010). For example, a historical biogeographic study of the family Rubiaceae was used to test the alternative hypotheses that the Andes Mountains rose continuously or in stages of uplift and quiescence (Antonelli et al, 2009).…”

Marine incursion into East Asia: a forgotten driving force of biodiversity

“…These estuarine environments of varying salinity provide pathways for evolutionary habitat transition of many marine-derived organisms [6 -8]. Marine incursions may have also functioned as impenetrable dispersal barriers for terrestrial species, fragmenting their previously continuous distribution ranges and leading to vicariant speciation [9]. Because its division and coalescence effects often produce bursts of diversification, incursion is considered to be one of the most productive 'species pumps' [2].…”