Reticulate evolution in glacial refuge areas : the genus Arabidopsis in the eastern Austrian Danube Valley (Wachau)

A groundbreaking study reveals that hybridisation and polyploidisierung play significant roles in the evolution of the Arabidopsis genus, with reticulate evolution patterns observed in glacial refuge areas. The research identifies three genetic lineages—eurasiatic, north American, and amphi-pacific—and demonstrates that allopolyploidisierung occurred independently in Japan, China, and Kamchatka. Additionally, it shows that autopolyploidisierung via genome self-doubling is prevalent in the Arabidopsis arenosa complex, with the Balkan Peninsula and Carpathians as key centers of speciation. The study also highlights recent introgression of Arabidopsis arenosa into Arabidopsis lyrata ssp. petraea in two hybrid zones within the Wachau region, indicating ongoing gene flow. Tetraploid populations exhibit increased geno- and phenotypic plasticity compared to diploids. The research combines molecular markers (ntDNA ITS, ntDNA PgiC, cpDNA trnL/F) and microsatellites with morphological data to unravel these complex evolutionary histories.

Schmickl, R. E. (2010). Reticulate evolution in glacial refuge areas : the genus Arabidopsis in the eastern Austrian Danube Valley (Wachau). Heidelberg University Library. https://doi.org/10.11588/HEIDOK.00010187