Redefinition of Adiantopsis Fée (Pteridaceae): Systematics, diversification, and biogeography

Abstract

We present the first multi-gene phylogeny of taxa potentially allied to the fern genus Adiantopsis, one of about 20 genera in the large group of cheilanthoid ferns. Our goals were to clarify natural relationships, examine generic boundaries, and interpret character evolution within a phylogenetic framework. Phylogenetic analysis of combined plastid rbcL and atpA DNA sequences has led to an expansion of generic boundaries in Adiantopsis, a recircumscription that is clearly defensible with morphological data. Biogeographic analyses suggest an origin for the genus in South America, with a minimum of three migrations into the Caribbean. We include a synopsis of the genus and two new combinations.

RASP (Reconstruct Ancestral State in Phylogenies): A tool for historical biogeography

“…This tool is particularly useful for removing widely distributed outgroups. A widely distributed outgroup, particularly with a taxonomic rank above species, may provide little useful information for ingroup reconstructions and may lead to erroneous results; namely extremely large, improbable ranges on their parent nodes (Buerki et al, 2011;Ronquist, 1997;Xiang and Thomas, 2008;Link-Pérez et al, 2011). While an outgroup of this nature may be suitable for phylogeny estimation, it is not suitable for biogeographic analysis.…”

A community‐derived classification for extant lycophytes and ferns

“…1906): Adiantopsis radiata (L.) Fée (≡ Adiantum radiatum L.). Circumscription sensu Link‐Pérez et al () with additions by Link‐Pérez & Hickey () and Schuettpelz et al (). Monophyletic (Link‐Pérez et al, ; Schuettpelz et al, ).…”

Toward a monophyletic Cheilanthes: The resurrection and recircumscription of Myriopteris (Pteridaceae)

“…As DNA sequence data proliferate and morphological features are reexamined in light of molecular phylogenies, it eventually becomes possible to recognize monophyletic assemblages of species that can be circumscribed as genera. We now have reached this point with certain groups of cheilanthoid ferns, at least in terms of removing taxa and clades that cannot reasonably be included within Cheilanthes (Link-Perez et al 2011; Li et al 2012). …”