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The speciation history of the Physcomitrium--Physcomitrella species complex.

Stuart F McDaniel¹, Mark von Stackelberg, Sandra Richardt

¹Biology Department CB#1137, One Brookings Dr, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63130, USA. smcdaniel@biology2.wustl.edu

Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution

|August 8, 2009

Summary

Reproductive isolation in mosses is key for speciation. This study reveals the genus Physcomitrella evolved multiple times within Physcomitrium, with hybridization playing a role in diversification despite species reproductive isolation.

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Area of Science:

Evolutionary Biology
Speciation Research
Bryophyte Genomics

Background:

Identifying factors promoting reproductive isolation is crucial in evolutionary biology.
Mosses exhibit high migration potential, suggesting biological factors are key to their speciation.
Physcomitrella patens is a model organism for hybridization and comparative genomics.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the evolutionary origins and speciation processes within the Physcomitrella-Physcomitrium moss complex.
To analyze the role of hybridization in the diversification of these mosses.
To understand the genetic basis of reproductive isolation in this group.

Main Methods:

Genealogical analyses of six genetic loci across multiple populations.
Comparative genomics of Physcomitrella and Physcomitrium species.
Experimental hybridization to assess reproductive compatibility.

Main Results:

The genus Physcomitrella originated independently at least three times from distinct ancestors within the genus Physcomitrium.
Despite evidence of natural hybridization, distinct species within the complex are reproductively isolated.
Physcomitrium eurystomum likely arose from hybridization between two ancient, small-ancestral-sized lineages.

Conclusions:

Multiple independent origins of Physcomitrella highlight complex evolutionary pathways in mosses.
Reproductive isolation mechanisms are effective in maintaining species boundaries despite hybridization.
Hybridization events, coupled with population size dynamics, have contributed to diversification in the Physcomitrella-Physcomitrium complex.