Macroevolutionary trends and diversification dynamics in Atripliceae (Amaranthaceae s.l., Chenopodioideae): a first...

Area of Science:

• Plant evolutionary biology
• Macroevolutionary patterns
• Diversification dynamics

Background:

• Atripliceae diversified globally in semi-arid, saline environments.
• Species exhibit diverse life forms, photosynthetic pathways, and reproductive strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate macroevolutionary patterns and diversification drivers in Atripliceae.
• Understand the influence of time, traits, speciation, extinction, and habitats.

Main Methods:

• Molecular phylogenetic analyses and clade age estimation.
• Time-, trait-, and geography-dependent diversification analyses.
• Ancestral state reconstructions.

Main Results:

• Distinct diversification dynamics in Archiatriplex and Atriplex clades.
• Accelerated diversification in Atriplex core predates C3/C4 transition and American arrival, coinciding with Mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum.
• Life form, photosynthetic pathway, and plant sex identified as key diversification drivers.

Conclusions:

• Traits significantly influenced Atripliceae diversification more than time.
• Climate change may have triggered speciation events.
• Unique evolutionary trends in arid/saline environments underscore the need for conservation of Atripliceae genetic resources.