Tracing the impact of the Andean uplift on Neotropical plant evolution

Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed the major role played by the uplift of the Andes in the extraordinary diversification of the Neotropical flora. These studies, however, have typically considered the Andean uplift as a single, time-limited event fostering the evolution of highland elements. This contrasts with geological reconstructions indicating that the uplift occurred in discrete periods from west to east and that it affected different regions at different times. We introduce an approach for integrating Andean tectonics with biogeographic reconstructions of Neotropical plants, using the coffee family (Rubiaceae) as a model group. The distribution of this family spans highland and montane habitats…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: -0423641, EF-0423641, 0423641
• NE
  National Evolutionary Synthesis Center

  Award: EF-0423641
• KV
  Kungl. Vetenskaps- och Vitterhets-Samhället i Göteborg
• RS
  Royal Society
• RS
  Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
• HA
  Helge Ax:son Johnsons Stiftelse
• V
  Vetenskapsrådet
• GU
  Göteborgs Universitet
• KO
  Kungliga och Hvitfeldtska Stiftelsen