Publication Type: | Journal Article |
Year of Publication: | 2010 |
Authors: | P. Korall, Schuettpelz, E., Pryer, K. M. |
Journal: | Evolution |
Volume: | 64 |
Issue: | 9 |
Start Page: | 2786 |
Pagination: | 2786-2792 |
Type of Article: | Brief communication |
Keywords: | Generation time, leptosporangiates, life history, molecular rate heterogeneity, tree ferns. |
Full Text | Molecular DNA analysis of the three genome compartments (nuclear, plastid and mitochrondrial) of ferns, has revealed a link between the origin of arborescence in and the rate of molecular evolution. Reference to the phylogenetic tree shows that branch lengths within the ‘tree fern’ clade are substantially shorter than those of neighbouring closely related lineages; heterosporous ferns and the polypods. Approximately 190 mya saw the beginnings of the ‘tree’(arborescent) ferns, coinciding with which was an abrupt deceleration of their molecular evolutionary rate (19% the rate of heterosporous ferns, and 15% that of polypods). It is known that the tree ferns are long-lived, and consequent to this, have an inherently slow rate of molecular evolution. This implies that over any given time period, a smaller number of DNA mutations occur when compared to more short-lived species. The short phylogenetic branch lengths of the tree ferns therefore signify less evolutionary change. |
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Abrupt deceleration of molecular evolution linked to the origin of arborescence in ferns
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