Pollen morphology, deep learning, phylogenetics, and the evolution of environmental adaptations in Podocarpus

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 8, 2025

Summary Podocarpus pollen morphology is shaped by both phylogenetic history and the environment. We analyzed relationship between traits quantified using deep learning environmental factors within a comparative framework. investigated influence of mean annual temperature, precipitation, altitude, solar radiation in driving morphological change. used trait-environment regression models to infer temperature tolerances 31 Neotropical Podocarpidites fossils. Ancestral state reconstructions were applied phylogeny with without inclusion Our results show that morphology, thermal stress an increase size higher UV-B selecting for thicker corpus walls. Fossil inferred from aligned paleotemperature estimates global paleoclimate models. Incorporating fossils into ancestral revealed early lineages likely adapted warm climates, cool-temperature tolerance evolving independently high-latitude high-altitude species. highlight importance learning-derived features advancing our understanding plant adaptations over evolutionary timescales. Deep allows us quantify subtle interspecific differences link these preferences through statistical analyses.

Language: Английский

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Evaluating migration hypotheses for the extinct Glyptotherium using ecological niche modeling

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

Published: Jan. 14, 2025

The formation of the Isthmus Panama allowed for migrations between once separated continents North and South America. This led to one greatest documented interchanges biota in Earth history, wherein an array species across many groups migrated continents. Glyptotherium , a giant extinct armadillo‐like grazer, is example taxon that likely originated America Here we use Ecological niche modeling test extent suitable conditions Central surrounding regions during intervals when thought have dispersed, allowing assessment plausible migration routes hypothesis genus from back Rancholabrean (14 000–240 000 years ago). Our results show abiotic area throughout Plio‐Pleistocene, with western (the ‘high road') suggested as their ancestors' route northwards. Depending on conditions, it may been possible return Rancholabrean. support previous hypotheses range was constrained by need warm, wet environments.

Language: Английский

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Exploring the palaeoneurology of the extinct spiny rat Eumysops chapalmalensis (Hystricognathi: Echimyidae): a comparative phylogenetic analysis of brain size and shape

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 203(3)

Published: March 1, 2025

Abstract This study examines the brain morphology of Pliocene specimens South American Echimyidae rodent Eumysops chapalmalensis through virtual endocasts and comparisons with extant members family. Shape variation is analysed geometric morphometrics, relative sizes its components are estimated using phylogenetic regression models. The influence phylogeny ecological variables on comparative analyses. Results indicate that exhibits low encephalization a high spatial packing brain, suggesting independence these two measures size. Brain shape departs from species in morphospaces evidencing distinctive characterized by strong flexion, posterolateral expansion neocortex, large petrosal lobules. signal observed echimyids, coupled significant factors, suggests adaptive pressures probably played more influential role shaping chapalmalensis. unique may be associated occupation niche not explored echimyids—that body mass, terrestrial to fossorial habits, agile movements open environments.

Language: Английский

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Atmospheric CO2 decline and the timing of CAM plant evolution

Annals of Botany, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 132(4), P. 753 - 770

Published: Aug. 29, 2023

Abstract Background and Aims CAM photosynthesis is hypothesized to have evolved in atmospheres of low CO2 concentration recent geological time because its ability concentrate around Rubisco boost water use efficiency relative C3 photosynthesis. We assess this hypothesis by compiling estimates when clades arose using phylogenetic chronograms for 73 clades. further consider evidence how atmospheric affects Results Where origins can be inferred, strong estimated appeared the past 30 million years 46 48 examined clades, after had declined from high (near 800 ppm) lower (<450 values. In turn, 21 25 containing species (but where are less certain) also years. these probably younger than clade origin. found repeated weak evolution during higher conditions before ago, possible Crassulaceae Cretaceous period prior decline. Most CAM-specific 15 years, a similar pattern observed C4 Conclusions The indicates repeatedly reduced Weaker pre-date and, Crassulaceae, may arisen water-limited microsites under relatively CO2. Experimental extant demonstrates that elevated reduces importance nocturnal fixation increasing contribution daily carbon gain. Thus, advantage would CO2, such appears likely restricted more extreme environments

Language: Английский

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Geoclimatic drivers of diversification in the largest arid and semi‐arid environment of the Neotropics: Perspectives from phylogeography

Molecular Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 33(14)

Published: June 15, 2024

Abstract The South American Dry Diagonal, also called the Diagonal of Open Formations, is a large region seasonally dry vegetation extending from northeastern Brazil to northern Argentina, comprising Caatinga, Cerrado, and Chaco subregions. A growing body phylogeography literature has determined that complex history climatic changes coupled with more ancient geological events produced diverse endemic‐rich biota. However, exact drivers are still under investigation, their relative strengths effects controversial. Pleistocene fluctuations structured lineages via shifts, refugium formation, corridors between Amazon Atlantic forests. In some taxa, older events, such as reconfiguration São Francisco River, uplift Central Brazilian Plateau, or Miocene inundation by marine incursions, were important. Here, we review literature, discussing each hypothesized driver diversification assessing degree support. Few studies statistically test these hypotheses, most support drawn associating encountered phylogeographic patterns population structure timing geoclimatic events. Across statistical studies, hypotheses well supported, exception Arc Hypothesis. taxonomic regional biases persist, proportional overabundance herpetofauna under‐representation studies. Overall, both climate change Neogene shaped evolution biota, though precise regionally taxonomically varied. We encourage further use model‐based analyses evolutionary scenarios, interdisciplinary collaborations progress field beyond its current focus on traditional set hypotheses.

Language: Английский

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Phylogenomics ofMessorharvester ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Stenammini) unravels their biogeographical origin and diversification patterns

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 17, 2025

Abstract As a major abiotic factor, climate change is expected to profoundly alter biological communities. On this basis, identifying how past temperature variations affected species diversification and distribution can help predict the effects of ongoing change. In study, we focused on harvester ant genus Messor which mostly adapted dry environments dominated by seed-producing plants. The phylogenetic analysis 2,524 markers obtained from 58 species/subspecies, supports their emergence in Irano-Indian area approximately 20 Mya. Phylogenetic relationships uncovered study enabled us redefine historical taxonomic groups, providing solid basis for future revisions that encompass entire diversity. Their appears be temperature, with higher speciation rate during warmer periods. This confirms ecological specialization makes them strongly dependent thermal conditions. Our results highlight importance factors processes, especially highly specialized may exhibit predictable evolutionary responses changes.

Language: Английский

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Morphological innovation and lineage-specific history drive disparification in the aggregated pollen of mimosoid plants

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 16, 2025

Background and Aims The study of morphological diversity (i.e., disparity) offers unique opportunities to understand evolutionary patterns processes. Plant disparity studies reveal that disparification can be related factors such as secondary woodiness or pollination niche, for example. Similarly, some pollen traits are known shaped by environmental pressures, but this influence has only been evaluated in monads, never multi-grained dispersal units. In study, we investigated the aggregated units two lineages Neotropical mimosoid legumes. Mimosa Stryphnodendron clades independent share similarities morphology biome shifts. context, asked: What these lineages, similar between occurring same biomes? Methods To answer questions, compiled data from literature on biomes occurrence a phylogenetically representative set taxa clades. With data, calculated morphospaces metrics, tested whether distinct differs significantly. Key Results Our results show exhibit disparity, do biomes. Additionally, observed certain support greater lesser levels disparity. Conclusions We conclude (1) clade possibly due evolution novel morphologies genus , (2) there is maintenance clade, Adenopodia Piptadenia (3) grains groups appears primarily phylogeny developmental constraints, with pressures playing comparatively smaller role.

Language: Английский

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Grasses of Saudi Arabia: A Review

Grass and Forage Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 6, 2025

ABSTRACT Grasses are found in all Saudi Arabia habitats. Their success pertains to diverse growth habits, specific morpho‐anatomical features and distinctive photosynthetic attributes. composite evolution involved Early‐Cenozoic appearance open‐habitats, Mid‐Cenozoic dominance temperate regions Late‐Cenozoic spread into tropics. This process is reflected grassland development with Paleogene of open‐habitat grasslands, Mid‐Neogene expansion grasslands Late‐Neogene tropical savannas. Holocene grass domestication genetic changes that induced traits pivotal for new Palaeoanthropological evidence also revealed a crucial interplay between human agrarian history. topography, vast latitudinal span, steep altitudinal gradient encourage broad diversity distributed over saline saltmarshes, dry sand dunes, desert plains, arid pavements, cool highlands cold mountains. review briefly discusses origin, evolution, photosynthesis. It concisely describes geodiversity climate presents comprehensive analysis its domestication, taxonomy, diversity, tolerance Grass distribution extensively discussed relation climatic gradients, edaphic properties, chorology attributes species acclimation potential.

Language: Английский

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Phylogenetics, diversification, and biogeography of Azorella (Apiaceae), with a special focus on the Australasian clades

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

Published: March 10, 2025

Language: Английский

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Jurassic Fern Piazopteris from the Girón Group, Colombia: A Taxonomic and Paleoenvironmental Evaluation

Journal of South American Earth Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 105488 - 105488

Published: March 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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