Starch-rich plant foods 780,000 y ago: Evidence from Acheulian percussive stone tools

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 122(3)

Published: Jan. 6, 2025

In contrast to animal foods, wild plants often require long, multistep processing techniques that involve significant cognitive skills and advanced toolkits perform. These costs are thought have hindered how hominins used these foods delayed their adoption into our diets. Through the analysis of starch grains preserved on basalt anvils percussors, we demonstrate a wide variety were processed by Middle Pleistocene at site Gesher Benot Ya'aqov in Israel, least 780,000 y ago. results further indicate abilities early ancestors, including ability collect from varying distances range habitats mechanically process them using percussive tools.

Language: Английский

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Genetic diversity and phylogeography of the circumboreal peatland violets (Viola epipsila‐V. palustris complex, Violaceae) as inferred from non‐coding nuclear and chloroplast DNA regions

Taxon, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 14, 2025

Abstract The Pleistocene glaciation cycles are a major factor shaping plant genetic diversity, speciation and radiations, current distribution ranges in the Northern Hemisphere. Case studies important for improving our understanding of postglacial migration patterns Hemisphere taxa general. Here, we studied circumboreal Viola epipsila ‐ V. palustris complex, whose taxonomy variation unclear, phylogeography unknown, using non‐coding nuclear (ISSRs; inter simple sequence repeats) chloroplast (cpDNA; trnS‐trnG trnH‐psbA spacers) DNA regions. Our ISSR results separated five groups corresponding to , pluviae suecica hybrids ( × ). These were also confirmed by genome size selected samples from each group. showed low within‐population as compared which has widest distribution. cpDNA data allowed us infer routes historical impact gene flow between populations. A total 13 haplotypes identified across all species, with largest number (eight) European‐eastern Asian‐North American . Five present more than one taxon haplotype European their status glacial relicts. phylogenies congruent. pattern species indicates intercontinental Beringia Atlantic.

Language: Английский

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The changing biodiversity of the Arctic flora in the Anthropocene

American Journal of Botany, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 29, 2025

Abstract The plants of the circumpolar Arctic occupy a dynamic system that has been shaped by glacial cycles and climate change on evolutionary timescales. Yet rapid climatic can compromise floristic diversity tundra, ecological changes in from anthropogenic forces remain understudied. In this review, we synthesize knowledge floral biodiversity across entirety region within context its history. We present critical gaps challenges modeling documenting consequences for flora, informed data Late Quaternary (~20 ka). found previous forecasts plant responses to indicate widespread reductions habitable area with increasing shrub growth abundance as function annual temperature increase. Such shifts distribution composition extant flora will likely increase global through carbon cycle, necessitating unified effort conserving these plants. More research continuity tundra communities are needed firmly assess risk poses Arctic.

Language: Английский

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Reporting Complete Chloroplast Genome of Endangered Red Mulberry Useful for Understanding Hybridization and Phylogenetic Relationships

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 12, 2025

Introgressive hybridization of the North American native red mulberry (Morus rubra) with its invasive congener white alba) has severely threatened genetic integrity M. rubra, which is primarily found in pristine riparian forests. The major objectives present study were 1) to sequence, assemble, and annotate complete chloroplast (cp) genome 2) perform phylogenomic analyses Morus species assess their evolutionary history events within genus. We sampled 45 trees representing populations from eight US states for cp sequencing. that rubra ranged 159,396 159,423 bp contained 128 genes coding rRNAs, 37 tRNAs, 83 proteins. was at least 103 larger than alba. cpDNA sequence polymorphism analysis showed presence 12 haplotypes. across Morus species identified trnK-UUU-rps16, psbI-trnG-UCC, psbC-psbZ, psbZ-trnM-CAU, rps4-trnT-UGU, trnT-UGU-trnL-UAA, ndhC-trnV-UAC, psbE-petL, clpP1, ndhF-rpl32, rpl32-trnL-UAG, ccsA-ndhDas having higher DNA (Pi > 0.01), making them candidate species-specific markers. Phylogenomic revealed distinct clades Asian, American, South African Morus, supporting monophyly Divergence time most common ancestor genus diverged 38.67 million years ago (MYA), separating clade M. mesozygia and insignis others, while Asian diverged 28.63 MYA. results this provide insights into structure rubra, offering foundational data addressing complex taxonomic complexities developing molecular markers population genetics, including introgressive hybridization.

Language: Английский

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Reporting complete chloroplast genome of endangered red mulberry, useful for understanding hybridization and phylogenetic relationships

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: April 18, 2025

Introgressive hybridization of the North American native red mulberry (Morus rubra) with its invasive congener white alba) has severely threatened genetic integrity M. rubra, which is primarily found in pristine riparian forests. The major objectives present study were (1) to sequence, assemble, and annotate complete chloroplast genome (2) perform phylogenomic analyses Morus species assess their evolutionary history events within genus. We sampled 45 trees representing populations from eight US states for sequencing. that rubra ranged 159,396 159,423 basepair (bp) contained 128 genes coding rRNAs, 37 tRNAs, 83 proteins. was at least 103 bp larger than alba. DNA sequence polymorphism analysis showed presence 12 haplotypes. across identified trnK-UUU-rps16, psbI-trnG-UCC, psbC-psbZ, psbZ-trnM-CAU, rps4-trnT-UGU, trnT-UGU-trnL-UAA, ndhC-trnV-UAC, psbE-petL, clpP1, ndhF-rpl32, rpl32-trnL-UAG, ccsA-ndhD as having higher (Pi > 0.01). Phylogenomic revealed distinct clades Asian, American, South African Morus, supporting monophyly Divergence time most recent common ancestor genus diverged 38.67 million years ago (MYA), separating clade mesozygia insignis others, while Asian 28.63 MYA. results this provide insights into structure offering a foundational data bridges knowledge gaps addressing complex taxonomic complexities developing molecular markers population genetics, including introgressive hybridization.

Language: Английский

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The uneven distribution of refugial endemics across the European Alps suggests a threefold role of climate in speciation of refugial populations

Alpine Botany, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 134(1), P. 29 - 50

Published: March 1, 2024

Abstract A little more than 10% of the vascular plant flora native to European Alps is endemic this area. It has long been noticed that distribution endemics across very uneven. While most are found along southern edge Alps, with some also on its western, eastern, and northeastern edges, northern or less between Lake Geneva in west Traun east harbours almost no endemics. The often related location glacial refugia. Accordingly, virtual absence from explained unsuitability climatic conditions for survival alpine plants there. After discussing evidence existence refugia species north I will examine how these differed Alps. conclude uneven best by different climate through time south These differences affected spatial structure extent refugia, length isolation refugial populations, selective

Language: Английский

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Converging forms: an examination of sub-Arctic, circumarctic, and Central Asian Ranunculus auricomus agg. populations

Frontiers in Plant Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15

Published: June 17, 2024

Introduction Phenotypic complexity in species complexes and recently radiated lineages has resulted a diversity of forms that have historically been classified into separate taxa. Increasingly, with the proliferation high-throughput sequencing methods, additional layers recognized, such as frequent hybridization reticulation, which may call question previous morphological groupings closely related organisms. Methods We investigated Northern European, Asian, Beringian populations Ranunculus auricomus agg. phylogenomic analysis 736 genes 27,586 SNPs order to deduce interrelatedness hybrid origin this phenotypically taxonomically complicated group from Europe characterized by history hybridization, polyploidy, apomixis, recent radiation. The ploidy levels reproductive mode European were assessed via flow cytometric seed screening. In addition, examine phenotypic plasticity dwarf previously described summarized monophyllus group, we conducted climate chamber experiments under cold (northern) warm (temperate) conditions. Results are tetra- hexaploid propagate primarily through apomixis. complex is highly reticulate relationships. Genetic differentiation main clusters occurred between above-mentioned geographical regions. find evidence for taxa these areas differing genomic contributions geographically nearest sexual progenitor species. Furthermore, polyphyly R. supported. Experiments show low lability traits associated group. Discussion conclude multiple adaptations hybrids colder climates shorter vegetation periods shaped phenotypes suggest formal classification nothotaxa within

Language: Английский

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Challenge accepted: Evolutionary lineages versus taxonomic classification of North American shrub willows (Salix)

American Journal of Botany, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 111(7)

Published: June 25, 2024

The huge diversity of Salix subgenus Chamaetia/Vetrix clade in North America and the lack phylogenetic resolution within this has presented a difficult but fascinating challenge for taxonomists to resolve. Here we tested existing taxonomic classification with molecular tools.

Language: Английский

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Global biome patterns of the Middle and Late Pleistocene

Journal of Biogeography, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 50(8), P. 1352 - 1372

Published: May 24, 2023

Abstract Our primary aim was to assess the hypothesis that distinctive features of patterns vegetation change during successive Quaternary glacial–interglacial cycles reflect climatic differences arising from forcing differences. We addressed this using 207 half‐degree resolution global biome pattern simulations, for time slices between 800 and 2 ka, made LPJ‐GUESS dynamic model. Simulations were driven ice‐core atmospheric CO concentrations, Earth's obliquity, outputs a pre‐industrial 206 palaeoclimate experiments; four additional simulations projected future concentrations. Climate experiments run HadCM3. Using rule‐based approach, above‐ground biomass leaf area index plant functional types used infer each grid cell's biome. The is supported by palaeobiome simulations. To enable comparisons with forcing, multivariate analyses performed dissimilarities Results showed generally similar responses variations cycle, although no two interglacials or glacials had identical patterns. Atmospheric concentration strongest driver dissimilarity Dissimilarities relative slice lowest show log‐linear relationship expected an ecocarbon sensitivity. For simulation, extent total calculated globally three longitudinal segments corresponding major continental regions. Mean minimum past extents forest biomes, notably Temperate Summergreen Forest, in regions strongly parallel tree diversities, hence supporting played important role determining present diversity. Albeit they consequences only faster Earth system components, simulated potential are unlike any ky, likely will continue markedly millennia if concentrations realised.

Language: Английский

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Radiating diversification and niche conservatism jointly shape the inverse latitudinal diversity gradient of Potentilla L. (Rosaceae)

BMC Plant Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 24(1)

Published: May 23, 2024

Abstract Background The latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG), characterized by an increase in species richness from the poles to equator, is one of most pervasive biological patterns. However, inverse LDGs, which peaks extratropical regions, are also found some lineages and their causes remain unclear. Here, we test roles evolutionary time, diversification rates, niche conservatism explaining LDG Potentilla (ca. 500 species). We compiled global distributions ~ 90% species, reconstructed a robust phylogenetic framework based on whole-plastome sequences. Next, analyzed divergence ancestral area, rate, investigate macroevolutionary history . Results genus originated Qinghai-Tibet Plateau during late Eocene gradually spread other regions Northern Hemisphere posterior Miocene. Rapid cooling after Pliocene promoted radiating polyploidization, as well cold-adaptive morphological innovations, enhanced adaptation cold environment. Ancestral reconstruction suggests that likely relatively cool at approximately 45 °N, region high environmental conditions similar climate niche. Evolutionary time was not significantly correlated with gradient. Conclusions Our results suggest elevated rates middle latitude thermal niches jointly determined This study highlights importance integrating ecological approaches explain pattern groups scale.

Language: Английский

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