| 1. |
- Antonelli, Alexandre, 1978, et al.
(author)
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Madagascar's extraordinary biodiversity : Evolution, distribution, and use
- 2022
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 378:6623, s. 962-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Madagascar's biota is hyperdiverse and includes exceptional levels of endemicity. We review the current state of knowledge on Madagascar's past and current terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity by compiling and presenting comprehensive data on species diversity, endemism, and rates of species description and human uses, in addition to presenting an updated and simplified map of vegetation types. We report a substantial increase of records and species new to science in recent years; however, the diversity and evolution of many groups remain practically unknown (e.g., fungi and most invertebrates). Digitization efforts are increasing the resolution of species richness patterns and we highlight the crucial role of field- and collections-based research for advancing biodiversity knowledge and identifying gaps in our understanding, particularly as species richness corresponds closely to collection effort. Phylogenetic diversity patterns mirror that of species richness and endemism in most of the analyzed groups. We highlight humid forests as centers of diversity and endemism because of their role as refugia and centers of recent and rapid radiations. However, the distinct endemism of other areas, such as the grassland-woodland mosaic of the Central Highlands and the spiny forest of the southwest, is also biologically important despite lower species richness. The documented uses of Malagasy biodiversity are manifold, with much potential for the uncovering of new useful traits for food, medicine, and climate mitigation. The data presented here showcase Madagascar as a unique " living laboratory" for our understanding of evolution and the complex interactions between people and nature. The gathering and analysis of biodiversity data must continue and accelerate if we are to fully understand and safeguard this unique subset of Earth's biodiversity.
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| 2. |
- Herrera, F., et al.
(author)
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A permineralized Early Cretaceous lycopsid from China and the evolution of crown clubmosses
- 2022
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In: New Phytologist. - : Wiley. - 0028-646X .- 1469-8137. ; 233:5, s. 2310-2322
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Lycopodiaceae are one of three surviving families of lycopsids, a lineage of vascular plants with a fossil history dating to at least the Early Devonian or perhaps the Late Silurian (c. 415 Ma). Many fossils have been linked to crown Lycopodiaceae, but the lack of well-preserved material has hindered definitive recognition of this group in the paleobotanical record. New, exceptionally well-preserved permineralized lycopsid fossils from the Early Cretaceous (125.6 ± 1.0 Ma) of Inner Mongolia, China, were examined in detail using acetate peel and micro-computed tomography techniques. The anatomy of extant Lycopodiaceae was analyzed for comparison using fluorescence microscopy. Phylogenetic relationships of the new fossil to extant Lycopodiaceae were evaluated using parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses. Lycopodicaulis oellgaardii gen. et sp. nov. provides the earliest unequivocal and best-documented evidence of crown Lycopodiaceae and Lycopodioideae, based on anatomically-preserved fossil material. Recognition of Lycopodicaulis in Asia during the Early Cretaceous indicates the presence of crown Lycopodiaceae at this time, and striking similarities of stem anatomy with extant species provide a framework for the understanding of the interaction of branching and vascular anatomy in crown-group lycopsids. © 2021 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2021 New Phytologist Foundation
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| 3. |
- Mehltreter, K., et al.
(author)
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Hydathodes in ferns: their phylogenetic distribution, structure and function
- 2022
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In: Annals of Botany. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0305-7364 .- 1095-8290. ; 130:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and Aims Ferns are the second largest group of vascular plants and are distributed nearly worldwide. Although ferns have been integrated into some comparative ecological studies focusing on hydathodes, there is a considerable gap in our understanding of the functional anatomy of these secretory tissues that are found on the vein endings of many fern leaves. In this study, we aimed to investigate the phylogenetic distribution, structure and function of fern hydathodes. Methods We performed a global review on fern hydathodes and their phylogenetic distribution, carried out an ancestral character state reconstruction, and studied the structure, guttation and elemental composition of salt residues of eight species, and the diurnal patterns of xylem pressure of two species. Key Results Hydathodes are known from 1189 fern species, 92 genera and 19 families of 2 orders, Equisetales and Polypodiales. Stochastic character mapping indicated multiple gains and losses of hydathodes at the genus level, occurring especially during the last 50 million years of fern evolution. Hydathodes were located on the adaxial leaf surface and characterized by a cytoplasm-rich, pore-free epidermis, and became functional for several weeks after nearly complete leaf expansion. In two species, positive xylem pressure built up at night, potentially facilitating guttation. Guttation fluid was rich in Ca and often Si, but also contained P, Mg, Na and Al. Conclusions Stochastic character mapping and the structural and functional diversity of hydathodes indicate multiple origins, and their presence/absence in closely related taxa implies secondary losses during fern evolution. Positive xylem pressure and high air humidity play an important role as drivers of guttation. Hydathodes may contribute to the regulation of leaf nutrient stoichiometry by the release of excessive compounds and minerals other than waste products, but the presence of essential chemical elements in salt residues also indicates possible leakage.
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| 4. |
- Mellado-Mansilla, D., et al.
(author)
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The relationship between chlorophyllous spores and mycorrhizal associations in ferns: evidence from an evolutionary approach
- 2022
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In: American Journal of Botany. - : Wiley. - 0002-9122 .- 1537-2197. ; 109:12, s. 2068-2081
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PremiseApproximately 14% of all fern species have physiologically active chlorophyllous spores that are much more short-lived than the more common and dormant achlorophyllous spores. Most chlorophyllous-spored species (70%) are epiphytes and account for almost 37% of all epiphytic ferns. Chlorophyllous-spored ferns are also overrepresented among fern species in habitats with waterlogged soils, of which nearly 60% have chlorophyllous spores. Ferns in these disparate habitat types also have a low incidence of mycorrhizal associations. We therefore hypothesized that autotrophic chlorophyllous spores represent an adaptation of ferns to habitats with scarce mycorrhizal associations. MethodsWe evaluated the coevolution of chlorophyllous spores and mycorrhizal associations in ferns and their relation to habitat type using phylogenetic comparative methods. ResultsAlthough we did not find support for the coevolution of spore type and mycorrhizal associations, we did find that chlorophyllous spores and the absence of mycorrhizal associations have coevolved with epiphytic and waterlogged habitats. Transition rates to epiphytic and waterlogged habitats were significantly higher in species with chlorophyllous spores compared to achlorophyllous lineages. ConclusionsSpore type and mycorrhizal associations appear to play important roles in the radiation of ferns into different habitat types. Future work should focus on clarifying the functional significance of these associations.
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| 5. |
- Molino, S., et al.
(author)
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First Record of Sporangiasters in the Blechnaceae
- 2021
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In: American Fern Journal. - : American Fern Society. - 0002-8444. ; 111:3, s. 196-204
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sporangiasters are an uncommon type of paraphyses, occurring in a handful of leptosporangiate fern genera. We report sporangiasters in Parablechnum nesophilum, which is their first recorded occurrence in the Blechnaceae. We provide evidence of their homology to sporangia and discuss their functional significance. The presence of sporangiasters in P. nesophilum is surprising because the species has a well-developed indusium, and paraphyses are generally most common in exindusiate ferns. We surmise that these sporangiasters act as a second stage of protection for the developing sporangia after the indusium retracts. Alternatively, it is possible that sporangiasters may influence the vagility of spores by inhibiting dehiscence and limiting the ability of the annulus to disperse its spores.
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| 6. |
- Ollgaard, B., et al.
(author)
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The Lycopodiaceae of Panama
- 2021
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In: Phytotaxa. - : Magnolia Press. - 1179-3155 .- 1179-3163. ; 526:1, s. 1-66
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The present paper provides keys to the genera and species of Lycopodiaceae for 6 genera and 40 species recorded from Panama. The treatment includes nomenclature, descriptions of species and information about distribution and habitats, and notes on problems of species delimitation and infraspecific variation. All species are illustrated, and representative specimens are cited.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Ralimanana, H., et al.
(author)
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Madagascar’s extraordinary biodiversity: Threats and opportunities
- 2022
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 378:6623
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Madagascar’s unique biota is heavily affected by human activity and is under intense threat. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on the conservation status of Madagascar’s terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity by presenting data and analyses on documented and predicted species-level conservation statuses, the most prevalent and relevant threats, ex situ collections and programs, and the coverage and comprehensiveness of protected areas. The existing terrestrial protected area network in Madagascar covers 10.4% of its land area and includes at least part of the range of the majority of described native species of vertebrates with known distributions (97.1% of freshwater fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals combined) and plants (67.7%). The overall figures are higher for threatened species (97.7% of threatened vertebrates and 79.6% of threatened plants occurring within at least one protected area). International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessments and Bayesian neural network analyses for plants identify overexploitation of biological resources and unsustainable agriculture as the most prominent threats to biodiversity. We highlight five opportunities for action at multiple levels to ensure that conservation and ecological restoration objectives, programs, and activities take account of complex underlying and interacting factors and produce tangible benefits for the biodiversity and people of Madagascar.
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| 9. |
- Schuettpelz, Eric, et al.
(author)
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A community-derived classification for extant lycophytes and ferns
- 2016
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In: Journal of Systematics and Evolution. - : Wiley. - 1674-4918 .- 1759-6831. ; 54:6, s. 563-603
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Phylogeny has long informed pteridophyte classification. As our ability to infer evolutionary trees has improved, classifications aimed at recognizing natural groups have become increasingly predictive and stable. Here, we provide a modern, comprehensive classification for lycophytes and ferns, down to the genus level, utilizing a community-based approach. We use monophyly as the primary criterion for the recognition of taxa, but also aim to preserve existing taxa and circumscriptions that are both widely accepted and consistent with our understanding of pteridophyte phylogeny. In total, this classification treats an estimated 11 916 species in 337 genera, 51 families, 14 orders, and two classes. This classification is not intended as the final word on lycophyte and fern taxonomy, but rather a summary statement of current hypotheses, derived from the best available data and shaped by those most familiar with the plants in question. We hope that it will serve as a resource for those wanting references to the recent literature on pteridophyte phylogeny and classification, a framework for guiding future investigations, and a stimulus to further discourse.
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| 10. |
- Suissa, J. S., et al.
(author)
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Mountains, climate and niche heterogeneity explain global patterns of fern diversity
- 2021
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In: Journal of Biogeography. - : Wiley. - 0305-0270 .- 1365-2699. ; 48:6, s. 1296-1308
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim It is well known that the distribution of species diversity is spatially heterogeneous, but understanding the factors contributing to this heterogeneity and to the formation of biodiversity hotspots remains a challenge. Here, we seek to improve our understanding of how historical, ecological and evolutionary processes contribute to current patterns of global fern diversity. Location Worldwide. Taxon Ferns. Methods To evaluate the drivers of global fern diversity, we integrate over 800,000 georeferenced species occurrence records of nearly 8000 species, a time-calibrated phylogeny and seven climate and environmental layers. We use these data to summarize diversity and evolutionary patterns at a resolution of 100 x 100 km, and identify hotspots of fern species richness and endemism. We compare these hotspots to neighbouring non-hotspot regions to provide insight into the factors controlling global patterns of fern diversity. Results Tropical and subtropical mountains harbour a disproportionate amount of species relative to the land area they occupy; 58% of global species richness occur in eight principally montane hotspots together comprising just 7% of Earth's land area. We identify hotspots of fern species richness and endemism that are universally characterized by disproportionately high ecological variation. We demonstrate that total fern species richness scales linearly with available climate space at regional and global scales. Main Conclusions Areas of high environmental heterogeneity harbour a disproportionate amount of fern species, and global patterns of extant fern diversity reflect the distribution of these areas, especially in mountains at lower latitudes. Persistence of ancient lineages in areas with long-term climatic stability helps explain exceptional endemism in regions such as Malesia.
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