Work

The Role of Peripheral Regions in Shaping the Phylogeography of the Bear's Ear Complex Across the Alps

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Aim Peripheral regions of the Alps are often overlooked in molecular studies, yet they may play a major role in shaping the current distribution of species and genetic lineages. Location Europe. Taxon Angiosperms (Primulaceae: Primula ). Methods By focusing on the bear's ear ( Primula auricula ) complex as model species, we used genetic inferences for population genetic structure and performed genetic reconstructions, species delimitations and divergence time estimates in order to get a detailed view of its molecular evolution and current genetic structuring across the Alps sensu lato . Results The Lombardian Alps and the southern eastern Alps are genetically distinct in the vicinity of the Adige valley. The northern and western Alps and their peripheries constitute a third clade and are separated by the siliceous central Alps. Within the latter, an additional cluster made of singular populations from the Dévoluy and Vercors regions is retrieved, likely reflecting a strong founder effect rather than an ancient divergence. Main Conclusions The biogeographic history P. auricula sensu lato pinpoints the importance of the peripheral regions in a phylogeographic context. Populations from northern peripheral regions exhibit long‐lasting isolation and in situ survival during glaciations, followed by recolonisation into the central Alpine massif.

Source: Journal of Biogeography

DOI: 10.1111/jbi.70125