A recent study published in Science Advances has unveiled significant disparities in the phylogenetic diversity (PD) of angiosperms between Africa and South America. Led by Hong Qian and a team of international researchers, the study comprehensively analyses the evolutionary history and diversity of flowering plants across these two continents, revealing intriguing insights into their biogeographical histories.
Utilizing extensive species distribution data, phylogenetic reconstruction, and innovative statistical analyses, the researchers found that, despite Africa’s larger land area, South America boasts a higher PD of angiosperms. This surprising difference persists even when comparing areas of similar climates within both continents.
The study highlights the influence of historical processes on plant diversity. In South America, factors such as the rise of the Andes and the Great American Biotic Interchange have contributed to a higher diversification rate and the introduction of new plant lineages. Conversely, Africa’s plant diversity has been shaped significantly by historical extinction events, particularly during periods of global aridification.
The research also delves into phylogenetic beta diversity, exploring the evolutionary differences between the floras of the two continents. It was found that phylogenetic beta diversity has increased linearly from around 80 million years ago to the present, underscoring the long-term divergence of these ecosystems.
Furthermore, the study sheds light on the importance of historical processes in shaping current biodiversity. The data suggest that while contemporary climate and geography play roles in determining plant diversity, historical factors such as extinction and migration have profoundly impacted the evolutionary trajectories of the continents’ floras.
This research enhances our understanding of global biodiversity patterns and emphasizes the need to consider evolutionary history in conservation efforts. The distinct phylogenetic diversity patterns in Africa and South America underscore the uniqueness of each continent’s flora and the importance of preserving their respective evolutionary histories.
Citation: Qian, H., Kessler, M., Zhang, J., Jin, Y., Soltis, D. E., Qian, S., Zhou, Y., & Soltis, P. S. (2023). Angiosperm phylogenetic diversity is lower in Africa than South America. Science Advances, 9(eadj1022). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.eadj1022.
