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Can species distribution models and molecular tools help unravel disjunct distribution of Rhododendron arboreum?

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Abstract

The apparent absence of Himalayan low-elevation taxa in the central Indian region and resumption of their distribution in the high elevation of Western Ghats has puzzled biogeographers for several decades. Many theories have been proposed to explain this but attempts remain futile owing to insufficient empirical support. Here, we have employed a montane tree species, Rhododendron arboreum to investigate this pattern by integrating past ecological niche modelling with molecular signatures. Reconstruction of paleo-ecological niche from interglacial to Last Glacial Maxima (LGM) portrayed a gradual depletion of vegetation cover with extreme impoverishment in the Holocene. A similar pattern was also reflected from genetic signatures; population history revealed a very recent split between the Himalayas and Western Ghats in the late Quaternary. A few other tree species exhibiting the same disjunction demonstrated a similar modification of paleo-ecological niche from last interglacial. The study clearly indicated that the populations in the Western Ghats to be a relictual remnants of a once continuous distribution of R. arboreum.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Simpee Kumari for her assistance in laboratory work; Karma, Sunil Dahal, other ATREE staffs in Gangtok, Sikkim for assistance in logistics; and Sikkim Forest Department for permitting collection of specimens. AR acknowledges the funding received from Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Govt. of India (SB/FT/LS-250/2012), and International Association of Plant Taxonomists (IAPT) and GR acknowledges the funding received from DBT (BT/PR24822/NER/95/863/2017).

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Author notes

  1. AR and GR conceived the study. AR drafted the project design, collected field specimens, and carried out the molecular lab work. GR facilitated the lab and field work. RR and RMS assisted AR in the molecular work. AR, RR, RMS and GR participated in data analysis, and drafted the manuscript. RR conducted the Paleo-ENM analysis.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE), Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur Post, Bengaluru, 560 064, India

    Avik Ray, Rani M. Saggere & G. Ravikanth

  2. Center for Studies in Ethnobiology, Biodiversity, and Sustainability (CEiBa), B.G. Road, Mokdumpur, Malda, 732 103, India

    Avik Ray & Rajasri Ray

  3. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, 560 012, India

    Rajasri Ray

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  1. Avik Ray
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  2. Rajasri Ray
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  3. Rani M. Saggere
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  4. G. Ravikanth
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Correspondence to Avik Ray or G. Ravikanth.

Additional information

Corresponding editor: H. A. Ranganath

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Ray, A., Ray, R., Saggere, R.M. et al. Can species distribution models and molecular tools help unravel disjunct distribution of Rhododendron arboreum?. J Genet 100, 18 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12041-021-01270-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12041-021-01270-w

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