Peripheries in alpine phylogeography
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Aim
Peripheral regions of the Alps are often overlooked in molecular studies, yet they may play a major role in shaping the current distribution of species and genetic lineages.
Location
Europe
Taxon
Angiosperms (Primulaceae: Primula)
Methods
By focusing on the bear’s ear ( Primula auricula ) complex as model species, we used genetic inferences for population genetic structure and performed genetic reconstructions, species delimitations and divergence time estimates in order to get a detailed view of its molecular evolution and current genetic structuring across the Alps sensu lato .
Results
The Lombardian Alps and the southern eastern Alps are genetically distinct in the vicinity of the Adige valley. The northern and western Alps and their peripheries constitute a third clade and are separated by the siliceous central Alps. Within the latter, an additional cluster made of singular populations from the Dévoluy and Vercors regions is retrieved, likely reflecting a strong founder effect rather than an ancient divergence.
Main conclusions
The biogeographic history P. auricula sensu lato pinpoints the importance of the peripheral regions in a phylogeographic context. Populations from northern peripheral regions exhibit long-lasting isolation and in situ survival during glaciations, followed by recolonization into the central Alpine massif.
