The C4 plant lineages of planet Earth
University of Toronto · Brown University
Abstract
Using isotopic screens, phylogenetic assessments, and 45 years of physiological data, it is now possible to identify most of the evolutionary lineages expressing the C(4) photosynthetic pathway. Here, 62 recognizable lineages of C(4) photosynthesis are listed. Thirty-six lineages (60%) occur in the eudicots. Monocots account for 26 lineages, with a minimum of 18 lineages being present in the grass family and six in the sedge family. Species exhibiting the C(3)-C(4) intermediate type of photosynthesis correspond to 21 lineages. Of these, 9 are not immediately associated with any C(4) lineage, indicating that they did not share common C(3)-C(4) ancestors with C(4) species and are instead an independent line. The…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 75.01
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 113
Authors
3Topics & keywords
- Lineage (genetic)
- Biology
- Phylogenetic tree
- Arid
- Eudicots
- Evolutionary biology
- Adaptation (eye)
- Convergent evolution