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 how these interact and their relative importance. Here, we synthesized 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, dataset properties were correlated to SSE model results - 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.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.

Organisation(s)
Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research
External organisation(s)
Foundation for Research on Biodiversity (FRB), University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of New South Wales, National Herbarium of New South Wales, University of British Columbia (UBC), Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, University of Stirling, Uppsala University, Stellenbosch University, Naturhistorisk Museum, National Centre of the Scientific Research (CNRS), Rennes, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS)
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.05.18.490882
Publication date
2022
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
106008 Botany, 106042 Systematic botany, 106012 Evolutionary research
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/traitdependent-diversification-in-angiosperms-patterns-models-and-data(e99cb4ee-ef34-488a-916b-a1230c49ccaa).html