Pollinator shifts despite hybridisation in the Cape's hyperdiverse heathers (Erica, Ericaceae)

DOI zum Zitieren der Version auf EPub Bayreuth: https://doi.org/10.15495/EPub_UBT_00008296
URN to cite this document: urn:nbn:de:bvb:703-epub-8296-1

Title data

Musker, Seth D. ; Pirie, Michael D. ; Nürk, Nicolai M.:
Pollinator shifts despite hybridisation in the Cape's hyperdiverse heathers (Erica, Ericaceae).
In: Molecular Ecology. Vol. 33 (2024) Issue 18 . - e17505.
ISSN 1365-294X
DOI der Verlagsversion: https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.17505

	Format: PDF Name: Molecular Ecology - 2024 - Musker - Pollinator shifts despite hybridisation in the Cape s hyperdiverse heathers Erica .pdf Version: Published Version Available under License Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0: Attribution, Noncommercial
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Abstract

Interrogating the ecological and geographic factors that influence population divergence dynamics can reveal why some groups of organisms diversify more prolifically than others. One such group is the heathers (Erica, Ericaceae), the largest plant genus in the Cape Floristic Region. We study Erica abietina, a highly variable species complex with four subspecies differing in geographic range, habitat and pollination syndrome. We test for population differentiation, hybridisation, introgression and pollinator-driven divergence using genotyping-by-sequencing on samples across the entire distribution. We find five variably distinct genetic groups, with one subspecies comprising two independent lineages that are geographically isolated and occur on different soil types. Phylogenetic analysis suggests two independent shifts between bird and insect pollination, with accompanying genetic divergence. However, for one pair of populations with different pollinators, we uncover several individuals of hybrid origin at a site of sympatry. These results suggest that floral differentiation driven by divergent selection acts in concert with geographic isolation to maintain reproductive isolation and promote speciation. Our investigations reveal a highly dynamic system whose diversity has been shaped by a variety of interacting forces. We suggest that such a system could be a model for much of the diversification of the Cape flora.

Further data

Item Type:	Article in a journal
Keywords:	Cape Floristic Region; Ericaceae; hybridisation; population genetics; speciation
DDC Subjects:	500 Science > 550 Earth sciences, geology
Institutions of the University:	Research Institutions > Central research institutes > Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research- BayCEER Research Institutions Research Institutions > Central research institutes
Language:	English
Originates at UBT:	Yes
URN:	urn:nbn:de:bvb:703-epub-8296-1
Date Deposited:	13 Mar 2025 08:52
Last Modified:	13 Mar 2025 08:52
URI:	https://epub.uni-bayreuth.de/id/eprint/8296

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