Author:
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Nualart, Neus; Herrando-Moraria, Sonia; Cires, Eduardo; Guardiola, Moisès; Laguna, Emilio; Pérez-Prieto, David; Sáez, Llorenç; López-Pujol, Jordi
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Abstract:
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Petrocoptis montsicciana and P. pardoi are two Iberian endemic taxa of Caryophyllaceae family
with an unclear taxonomic delimitation, being variously treated as independent species, subspecies
or even synonyms. In the present study, allozyme raw data obtained in the early 2000s have been
reused with improved tools to survey genetic structure, and complemented with modeling and niche
comparative analyses to shed light on species delimitation. Genetic structure was investigated using
four approaches: Bayesian clustering, Monmonier’s algorithm, Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA),
and Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA). Ecological niche differences have been assessed
through Ecological Niche Modeling (ENM) using MaxEnt, and Principal Component Analysis using
both occurrence records and background climate (PCA-env). Genetic analysis confirms the distinction
between both taxa, and the scenario of a progenitor–derivative (P–D) is suggested. In agreement
with genetic data, niche analysis shows clear differences between their climate regarding species
occurrences and background spaces. Climate divergence could be explained, at least partially, by the
abundance of rocks where species live although differences at the microclimate instead of the regional
climate should be explored in future research. Given the genetic distinction between P. montsicciana
and P. pardoi, both taxa should be regarded as separate ‘Management Units’ (MUs). |