Skip to main content
Dryad

Data from: Molecular variation and phylogeography within European Isothecium alopecuroides and Pseudisothecium myosuroides (Bryophyta, Lembophyllaceae)

Data files

Dec 11, 2023 version files 578.98 KB

Abstract

Earlier studies on Isothecium s.l. suggested potential interchange of genetic material between species that are nowadays known to belong to separate genera. In this study, we analyze the molecular variation in three molecular markers (nuclear gdp; mitochondrial nad5; and plastid trnG) in a wide selection of Isothecium alopecuroides and Pseudisothecium myosuroides specimens to infer whether this exchange of genetic material is frequent. In addition, we explore the phylogeographic structure of these two species in Europe. Our results show repeated genetic interchange for the nuclear and mitochondrial markers in both species, with intergeneric hybridization as the most probable explanation. The genetic lineages found indicate a complex biogeographical history for I. alopecuroides, including both postglacial immigration from different glacial refugia and developing haplotypes potentially adapted to cold climates. As for P. myosuroides, genetic variants could either indicate a postglacial immigration history or adaptation to oceanic conditions. Further studies including a larger set of more variable molecular markers could help to reach final conclusions on the results here presented.