Leaf Morphometry variation of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (Gomes) Landrum in Populations from the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado Biomes: phenotypes do test phylogeographic hypotheses

Abstract

The Neotropical Realm is one of the planet's most diverse and species-rich regions, yet definitive explanations for such diversity remain unclear. Within the Neotropical context, phylogeography becomes particularly relevant, offering valuable insights about the origin and maintenance of biodiversity. The integration of phenotypic analyses, particularly concerning functional traits like leaf morphology, further enhances phylogeographic studies. Leaves play a crucial role in plant maintenance. In this context, traditional and geometric morphometrics emerge as essential tools in evaluating morphological characteristics of these structures.. A preliminary study has unveiled a disjunction between morphological and molecular variations. Therefore, our objective is to quantify and delineate leaf morphological patterns in P. pseudocaryophyllus across the Cerrado and Mata Atlântica biomes to rigorously test phylogeographic hypotheses. We will obtain morphometric data from isolated leaves, including area, perimeter, and circularity, as well as shape data derived from the use of landmarks and semi-landmarks. These data will undergo multivariate analyses to describe the pattern of morphological variation in P. pseudocaryophyllus and test hypotheses considering different levels such as sampling location, biomes, and genetically inferred groups. So far, we have obtained preliminary results indicating that area, perimeter, circularity, mean radius, mean diameter, and eccentricity in seven populations, encompassing individuals from the Cerrado and Atlantic Rainforest, are distinct from each other. We anticipate that the outcomes of this project will contribute to a better understanding of evolution in the Neotropics and provide evidence for the conservation and management of the species.