Reconstruction of the refuge theory in tropical Africa in the Marantaceae

• Applicant: Dr. Alexandra Ley
• Subject Area: Evolution and Systematics of Plants and Fungi
• Term: from 2009 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 124517739

Haffer (1969) formulated the hypothesis that the high species diversity in the tropics is partly due to speciation processes during the Pleistocene glaciations. As during dry periods tropical lowland forest could only persist in mountainous areas and along river valleys populations of forest dependent species fragmented, diversified and finally formed reproductively isolated species. These species might today have dispersed again out of these refuge areas and largely overlap in their distribution ranges. This refuge hypothesis was originally based on pollen findings and centres of diversity and endemism of species with a low dispersal capacity. Here it should be tested for the first time in Africa by molecular means on perennial herbs and lianas comparing species with low and high dispersal abilities. The African Marantaceae (-40 species) are highly suitable, as their molecular phylogeny and floral biology is known. A low resolution in the molecular analysis with a highly variable marker system and the agreement of distribution patterns of species with low dispersal ability with the postulated refuge areas already supports this hypothesis. If the hypothesis is right, the population genetic patterns should correspond with the postulated refuge areas. Based on the here obtained knowledge on the reaction norm of plants in relation to past climate fluctuation and with the help of climate models of the future, prognoses about upcoming vegetation changes could be developed and precise management strategies could be elaborated.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: Belgium
• Host: Dr. Olivier Hardy