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Evolution of tree nutrition.

John A Raven1, Mitchell Andrews

  • 1Division of Plant Sciences, University of Dundee at SCRI (Scottish Crop Research Institute), Invergowrie, Dundee, UK. j.a.raven@dundee.ac.uk

Tree Physiology
|June 29, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Trees evolved polyphyletically from the pteridophyte grade around 380 million years ago. Key nutritional innovations like the seed habit and specialized symbioses uniquely originated in trees.

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Area of Science:

  • Paleobotany
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Plant Physiology

Background:

  • The evolutionary origins of trees are explored within a nutritional context.
  • Trees are defined broadly, encompassing diverse lineages throughout geological time.
  • Understanding tree origins requires integrating fossil and molecular phylogenetic data.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolutionary origins of trees, focusing on nutritional adaptations.
  • To determine the timing and phylogenetic patterns of tree origins.
  • To identify pre-existing traits and novel nutritional innovations associated with tree evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from the fossil record.
  • Molecular phylogenetic analyses.
  • Comparative examination of plant physiological and nutritional traits.

Main Results:

  • Trees first appeared in the Late Devonian (approx. 380 million years ago).
  • Tree origins were polyphyletic, occurring independently in different plant groups (pteridophytes, gymnosperms, angiosperms).
  • Essential traits like nutrient transporters, homoiohydry, and arbuscular mycorrhizas predated trees; however, the seed habit and specific symbioses (ectomycorrhizas, diazotrophic symbioses) emerged uniquely or notably in trees.

Conclusions:

  • Tree-like forms evolved multiple times independently across plant lineages.
  • The evolution of trees was facilitated by pre-existing physiological and nutritional traits.
  • Novel nutritional strategies, particularly those involving symbiotic relationships and the seed habit, were key innovations associated with the diversification of trees.