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Chromosome evolution in the Gibasis linearis group (Commelinaceae)

III. DNA variation, chromosome evolution, and speciation in G. venustula and G. heterophylla

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Abstract

Karyotypes, DNA amounts, and meiotic behaviour were examined in population samples of two closely related species, Gibasis venustula and G. heterophylla, and their F1 hybrids. All samples were diploid (2n=12). DNA amount was similar in G. heterophylla, G. venustula ssp. robusta, and some populations of G. venustula ssp. venustula but in 13 samples of the latter, it showed as much as a 60% difference despite karyotypic uniformity. Although DNA levels were related to the altitude of the habitat, there was some variation within two morphological and ecological races of subspecies venustula. Analysis of hybrid meiosis and pollen fertility demonstrated the cytogenetical discreteness of populations, races, and subspecies. Populations and races were concluded still to be evolving following ecological isolation. The significance of quantitative and qualitative genome changes in evolution and their bearing on the classification of these species is discussed.

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  1. Cytology Section, Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UK

    A. Kenton

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  1. A. Kenton
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Kenton, A. Chromosome evolution in the Gibasis linearis group (Commelinaceae). Chromosoma 90, 303–310 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00287039

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00287039

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