Dataset Information

Repeated long-distance dispersal and convergent evolution in hazel.

ABSTRACT: Closely related species with a worldwide distribution provide an opportunity to understand evolutionary and biogeographic processes at a global scale. Hazel (Corylus) is an economically important genus of tree and shrub species found in temperate regions of Asia, North America and Europe. Here we use multiple nuclear and chloroplast loci to estimate a time-calibrated phylogenetic tree of the genus Corylus. We model the biogeographic history of this group and the evolutionary history of tree and shrub form. We estimate that multiple Corylus lineages dispersed long distances between Europe and Asia and colonised North America from Asia in multiple independent events. The geographic distribution of tree versus shrub form of species appears to be the result of 4-5 instances of convergent evolution in the past 25 million years. We find extensive discordance between our nuclear and chloroplast trees and potential evidence for chloroplast capture in species with overlapping ranges, suggestive of past introgression. The important crop species C. avellana is estimated to be closely related to C. maxima, C. heterophylla var. thunbergii and the Colurnae subsection. Our study provides a new phylogenetic hypothesis or Corylus and reveals how long-distance dispersal can shape the distribution of biodiversity in temperate plants.

SUBMITTER: Helmstetter AJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6831691 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Repeated long-distance dispersal and convergent evolution in hazel.

Helmstetter Andrew J AJ Buggs Richard J A RJA Lucas Stuart J SJ

Scientific reports 20191105 1

Closely related species with a worldwide distribution provide an opportunity to understand evolutionary and biogeographic processes at a global scale. Hazel (Corylus) is an economically important genus of tree and shrub species found in temperate regions of Asia, North America and Europe. Here we use multiple nuclear and chloroplast loci to estimate a time-calibrated phylogenetic tree of the genus Corylus. We model the biogeographic history of this group and the evolutionary history of tree and ...[more]

PMID: 31690762

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Project description:Introduction:Alliaria petiolata, an herbaceous plant, has invaded woodlands in North America. Its ecology has been thoroughly studied, but an overlooked aspect of its biology is seed dispersal distances and mechanisms. We measured seed dispersal distances in the field and tested if epizoochory is a potential mechanism for long-distance seed dispersal. Methods:Dispersal distances were measured by placing seed traps in a sector design around three seed point sources, which consisted of 15 second-year plants transplanted within a 0.25 m radius circle. Traps were placed at intervals ranging from 0.25-3.25 m from the point source. Traps remained in the field until a majority of seeds were dispersed. Eight probability density functions were fitted to seed trap counts via maximum likelihood. Epizoochory was tested as a potential seed dispersal mechanism for A. petiolata through a combination of field and laboratory experiments. To test if small mammals transport A. petiolata seeds in their fur, experimental blocks were placed around dense A. petiolata patches. Each block contained a mammal inclusion treatment (MIT) and control. The MIT consisted of a wood-frame (31 × 61× 31 cm) covered in wire mesh, except for the two 31 × 31 cm ends, placed over a germination tray filled with potting soil. A pan filled with bait was placed in the center of the tray. The control frame (11 × 31 × 61 cm) was placed over a germination tray and completely covered in wire mesh to exclude animal activity. Treatments were in the field for peak seed dispersal. In March, trays were moved to a greenhouse and A. petiolata seedlings were counted and then compared between treatments. To determine if A. petiolata seeds attach to raccoon (Procyon lotor) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fur, wet and dry seeds were dropped onto wet and dry fur. Furs were rotated 180 degrees and the seeds that remained attached were counted. To measure seed retention, seeds were dropped on furs and rotated as before, then the furs were agitated for one hour. The seeds retained in the fur were counted. Results:For the seed dispersal experiment, the 2Dt function provided the best fit and was the most biologically meaningful. It predicted that seed density rapidly declined with distance from the point source. Mean dispersal distance was 0.52 m and 95% of seeds dispersed within 1.14 m. The epizoochory field experiment showed increased mammal activity and A. petiolata seedlings in germination trays of the MIT compared to control. Laboratory studies showed 3-26% of seeds were attached and retained by raccoon and deer fur. Retention significantly increased if either seed or fur were wet (57-98%). Discussion:Without animal seed vectors, most seeds fall within a short distance of the seed source; however, long distance dispersal may be accomplished by epizoochory. Our data are consistent with A. petiolata's widespread distribution and development of dense clusters of the species in invaded areas.

Dataset Information

Repeated long-distance dispersal and convergent evolution in hazel.

Publications

Repeated long-distance dispersal and convergent evolution in hazel.

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