Abstract
Human activities usually affect biodiversity adversely. Because of this few biodiversity studies focus on factors that promote the formation of biodiversity. Species diversity increase through speciation, a slow process that often works through isolation of populations, and through dispersal. However, speciation via hybridisation and allopolyploidisation may create rapidly evolving clades with high diversification rates. Up to 70% of extant plant species may be of allopolyploid origin and are thought to be particularly common in temperate regions. Thus, allopolyploid speciation may potentially increase biodiversity in our environments. Recent methodological developments makes it possible to study the origin of allopolyploidy and its effects in more detail. The project will investigate a range of plant groups in which we have found allopolyploidisations (Fragaria, Geum, Sanguisorba, Geranium, Primula). Reticulate speciation events will be investigated using low copy nuclear genes, molecular dating methods, biogeographic analysis, and tested for increased rate of speciation and diversification. Our results using cutting edge methods will provide important evidence of an understudied aspect of biodiversity which will be of international scientific value. It will also influence our view of how plant biodiversity is formed and by extension the process of evolution: Slow and gradual or through bursts of intense evolution and speciation following hybridisation events.
Sweden