Spatial phylogenetics of Fagales: Investigating the history of temperate forests

Abstract

AimQuantifying the phylogenetic diversity of temperate trees is essential for understanding what processes are implicated in shaping the modern distribution of temperate broadleaf forest and other major forest biomes. Here we focus on Fagales, an iconic member of forests worldwide, to uncover global diversity and endemism patterns and investigate potential drivers responsible for the spatial distribution of fagalean forest communities.LocationGlobal.TaxonFagales.MethodsWe combined phylogenetic data covering 60.2% of living species, fine-scale distribution models covering 90% of species, and nodulation data covering all species to investigate the distribution of species richness at fine spatial scales and compare this to relative phylogenetic diversity (RPD) and phylogenetic endemism. Further, we quantify phylogenetic betadiversity and bioregionalization of Fagales and determine hotspots of Fagales species engaging in root nodule symbiosis (RNS) with nitrogen-fixing actinomycetes.ResultsWe find the highest richness in temperate east Asia, eastern North America, and equatorial montane regions of Asia and Central America. By contrast, RPD is highest at higher latitudes, where RNS also predominates. We found a strong spatial structuring of regionalizations of Fagales floras as defined by phylogeny and traits related to RNS, reflecting distinct Northern and Southern Hemisphere floras (with the exception of a unique Afro-Boreal region) and highly distinct tropical montane communities.Main conclusionsSpecies richness and phylogenetic regionalization accord well with traditional biogeographic concepts for temperate forests, but RPD does not. This may reflect ecological filtering specific to Fagales, as RNS strategies are almost universal in the highest RPD regions. Our results highlight the importance of global-scale, clade-specific spatial phylogenetics and its utility for understanding the history behind temperate forest diversity.