6533b7d8fe1ef96bd126ab97

RESEARCH PRODUCT

The effect of Quaternary climatic changes on plant distribution and evolution

subject

description

Abstract Climatic oscillations in the Quaternary have played a major role in changing the geographical distribution of plant species. Recent molecular work has provided new insights into the location of glacial refugia and routes of postglacial expansion. A comparative analysis shows that phylogeographic patterns in Europe appear to be less congruent than in North America. The change of geographical distribution has also provided opportunities for speciation through isolation, and hybridization after secondary contact. However, a complete understanding of the significance of the Quaternary climatic changes for plant speciation requires further research into the estimation of reliable and accurate divergence times.