Reusing Old and Producing New Data Is Useful for Species Delimitation in the Taxonomically Controversial Iberian Endemic Pair Petrocoptis montsicciana/P. pardoi (Caryophyllaceae)

Neus Nualart,Eduardo Cires,Sonia Herrando-Moraira,Emilio Laguna,Moisès Guardiola,Llorenç Sáez,David Pérez-Prieto,Jordi López-Pujol

doi:10.3390/d13050205

Abstract

Petrocoptis montsicciana and P. pardoi are two Iberian endemic taxa of Caryophyllaceae family with an unclear taxonomic delimitation, being variously treated as independent species, subspecies or even synonyms. In the present study, allozyme raw data obtained in the early 2000s have been reused with improved tools to survey genetic structure, and complemented with modeling and niche comparative analyses to shed light on species delimitation. Genetic structure was investigated using four approaches: Bayesian clustering, Monmonier’s algorithm, Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA), and Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA). Ecological niche differences have been assessed through Ecological Niche Modeling (ENM) using MaxEnt, and Principal Component Analysis using both occurrence records and background climate (PCA-env). Genetic analysis confirms the distinction between both taxa, and the scenario of a progenitor–derivative (P–D) is suggested. In agreement with genetic data, niche analysis shows clear differences between their climate regarding species occurrences and background spaces. Climate divergence could be explained, at least partially, by the abundance of rocks where species live although differences at the microclimate instead of the regional climate should be explored in future research. Given the genetic distinction between P. montsicciana and P. pardoi, both taxa should be regarded as separate ‘Management Units’ (MUs).

Highlights

Allozyme raw data obtained in the early 2000s have been reused with improved tools to survey genetic structure, and complemented with modeling and niche comparative analyses to shed light on species delimitation
Ecological niche differences have been assessed through Ecological Niche Modeling (ENM) using MaxEnt, and Principal Component Analysis using both occurrence records and background climate (PCA-env)
Genetic analysis confirms the distinction between both taxa, and the scenario of a progenitor–derivative (P–D) is suggested

Summary

Introduction

(Caryophyllaceae) is one of the flagship genera of higher plants of the Iberian Peninsula, given to a series of reasons that include: (1) its alleged endemic status; (2) the conservation concerns of several of its members (some are narrow endemics and highly threatened); and (3) the beauty of the plants and the habitats where they grow (Figure S1). Petrocoptis is one of the 27 endemic genera in the Iberian flora, with nine species [1], it should be included within Silene L. according to some authors [2]. Known as clavel de roca (rocky carnation in Spanish), Petrocoptis representatives are perennial herbs with red, pink-purple or white pentamerous flowers that grow on rocky cracks and fissures in calcareous vertical rock walls, overhangs, narrow gorges and caves (Figure S1)

Methods

Results

Conclusion