Publication
Trait-dependent diversification in angiosperms: patterns, models and data
Publisher:
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date:
19-05-2022
DOI:
10.1101/2022.05.18.490882
Abstract: Variation in species richness across the tree of life, accompanied by the incredible variety of ecological and morphological characteristics found in nature, has inspired many studies to link traits with species ersification. Angiosperms are a highly erse group that has fundamentally shaped life on earth since the Cretaceous, and illustrate how species ersification affects ecosystem functioning. Numerous traits and processes have been linked to differences in species richness within this group, but we know little about how these interact and their relative importance. Here, we synthesized data from 152 studies that used state-dependent speciation and extinction (SSE) models on angiosperm clades. Intrinsic traits related to reproduction and morphology were often linked to ersification but a set of universal drivers did not emerge as traits did not have consistent effects across clades. Importantly, dataset properties were correlated to SSE model results - trees that were larger, older, or less well-s led tended to yield trait-dependent outcomes. We compared these properties to recommendations for SSE model use and provide a set of best practices to follow when designing studies and reporting results. Finally, we argue that SSE model inferences should be considered in a larger context incorporating species’ ecology, demography and genetics.