Spatial patterns of morphological and lineage diversity: how have space, time, and form shaped a megadiverse flora?

Abstract

Mountains comprise some of the most diverse floras in the world. Because of their insular nature, they offer a wide range of ecological opportunities that may lead to key innovations followed by lineage and morphological diversification. This is particularly the case in the campos rupestres, a montane vegetation complex located in Eastern South America. Although different evolutionary processes shaped the campos rupestres flora, its evolutionary history remains elusive due to lack of knowledge on spatial and morphological patterns. Here we propose to investigate the role of abiotic opportunities, biotic interactions and morphological traits in the evolutionary history of the campos rupestres. Based on recent models regarding the evolution of this flora, we propose that (1) the campos rupestres and surrounding vegetation types have been exchanging lineages and that (2) this has been possible because of shared trait combinations. Also, we hypothesise that (3) the relationship between lineage and morphological diversity varies among lineages and campos rupestres sites and that (4) a confluence between abiotic factors and clade-specific traits have driven changes in diversification and disparification rates. To test these hypotheses, we will compile occurrence, phylogenetic, morphological and environmental data for 10 plant groups highly represented in the campos rupestres and in their surrounding vegetation. With these data, we will conduct spatial analyses of phylogenetic and taxonomic turnover and nestedness, morphospace occupancy and phylogenetic alpha diversity. Additionally, we will apply a recently developed approach to test the influence of abiotic, biotic and clade-specific factors on diversification and disparification rates. By addressing the spatial, ecological and morphological components of diversity patterns in the campos rupestres we expect to understand the specific evolutionary dynamics that have shaped one of the world's most endemic and diverse floras.