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Published on: September 4, 2016
Columbines: a geographically widespread species flock
1Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens 30602.
Summary
The Aquilegia genus, or columbines, underwent a rapid radiation, evolving quickly across a wide geographic area. This speciation was likely driven by the evolution of the nectar spur, a key innovation.
Area of Science:
- Botany
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The columbine genus (Aquilegia) exhibits significant ecological and floral diversity.
- High interspecific compatibility suggests recent divergence, but widespread distribution implies an older origin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To resolve the evolutionary age and diversification patterns of the Aquilegia genus.
- To investigate the role of key innovations in Aquilegia speciation.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis using nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences from 14 Aquilegia species and related genera.
- Comparative analysis of sequence variation levels.
Main Results:
- Low genetic variation (16-bp changes, 1 insertion/deletion) detected across 14 Aquilegia species, contrasting with higher variation in related genera.
- Highly concordant phylogenies from nuclear and chloroplast DNA indicate a recent, rapid radiation event for Aquilegia.
- Aquilegia's radiation occurred across a broad geographical scale, unlike other species flocks.
Conclusions:
- Aquilegia represents a recent, rapid radiation event, challenging previous assumptions based solely on interspecific compatibility.
- The evolution of the nectar spur is proposed as a key innovation facilitating rapid speciation in Aquilegia through pollinator specialization.
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