Trait-dependent diversification in angiosperms: Patterns, models and data

Author(s)
Andrew J. Helmstetter, Rosana Zenil-Ferguson, Hervé Sauquet, Sarah P. Otto, Marcos Méndez, Mario Vallejo-Marin, Jürg Schönenberger, Concetta Burgarella, Bruce Anderson, Hugo de Boer, Sylvain Glémin, Jos Käfer
Abstract

Variation in species richness across the tree of life, accompanied by the incredible variety of ecological and morphological characteristics found in nature, has inspired many studies to link traits with species diversification. Angiosperms are a highly diverse group that has fundamentally shaped life on earth since the Cretaceous, and illustrate how species diversification affects ecosystem functioning. Numerous traits and processes have been linked to differences in species richness within this group, but we know little about their relative importance and how they interact. Here, we synthesised data from 152 studies that used state-dependent speciation and extinction (SSE) models on angiosperm clades. Intrinsic traits related to reproduction and morphology were often linked to diversification but a set of universal drivers did not emerge as traits did not have consistent effects across clades. Importantly, SSE model results were correlated to data set properties – trees that were larger, older or less well-sampled tended to yield trait-dependent outcomes. We compared these properties to recommendations for SSE model use and provide a set of best practices to follow when designing studies and reporting results. Finally, we argue that SSE model inferences should be considered in a larger context incorporating species' ecology, demography and genetics.

Organisation(s)
Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research
Journal
Ecology Letters
Volume
26
Pages
640-657
No. of pages
18
ISSN
1461-023X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.14170
Publication date
04-2023
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
106008 Botany, 106012 Evolutionary research, 106042 Systematic botany
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/421689bd-5722-49ed-b2bd-2b02115cf515