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Explaining the uniqueness of the Cape flora: incorporating geomorphic evolution as a factor for explaining its
Richard M Cowling1, Serban Procheş, Timothy C Partridge
1Botany Department, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa. rmc@kingsley.co.za
The Cape Floristic Region
Area of Science:
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Paleogeography
- Botany
Background:
- The Cape Floristic Region exhibits exceptional plant diversity, exceeding global predictions.
- Molecular phylogenies and habitat data offer new insights into the evolution of this flora.
- Previous studies highlight Mio-Pliocene climate change as a driver of speciation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the late Cenozoic geomorphic evolution of the Cape.
- To assess the role of changing topography and soils in stimulating plant diversification.
- To understand the unique environmental conditions driving high diversification rates.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of geomorphic evolution in the Cape.
- Integration of phylogenetic data with habitat and geographic information.
- Comparative analysis of plant diversity in Mediterranean-climate regions.
Main Results:
- Moderate Miocene uplift significantly increased topographic and soil heterogeneity.
- This increased heterogeneity, particularly after the late Miocene, likely synergized with climate change.
- These combined factors drove rapid diversification in Cape clades.
Conclusions:
- Geomorphic evolution, specifically increased topo-edaphic heterogeneity, was a key driver of Cape flora diversification.
- A combination of gradual landscape change and relative climatic stability fostered high diversification and low extinction rates.
- The Cape's unique environmental history explains its remarkable plant richness.
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