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A single evolutionary innovation drives the deep evolution of symbiotic N2-fixation in angiosperms

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  • Gijsbert D. A. Werner

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

  • William K. Cornwell

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
    Present address: School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia)

  • Janet I. Sprent

    (College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee at James Hutton Institute)

  • Jens Kattge

    (Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry
    German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig)

  • E. Toby Kiers

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

Abstract

Symbiotic associations occur in every habitat on earth, but we know very little about their evolutionary histories. Current models of trait evolution cannot adequately reconstruct the deep history of symbiotic innovation, because they assume homogenous evolutionary processes across millions of years. Here we use a recently developed, heterogeneous and quantitative phylogenetic framework to study the origin of the symbiosis between angiosperms and nitrogen-fixing (N2) bacterial symbionts housed in nodules. We compile the largest database of global nodulating plant species and reconstruct the symbiosis’ evolution. We identify a single, cryptic evolutionary innovation driving symbiotic N2-fixation evolution, followed by multiple gains and losses of the symbiosis, and the subsequent emergence of ‘stable fixers’ (clades extremely unlikely to lose the symbiosis). Originating over 100 MYA, this innovation suggests deep homology in symbiotic N2-fixation. Identifying cryptic innovations on the tree of life is key to understanding the evolution of complex traits, including symbiotic partnerships.

Suggested Citation

  • Gijsbert D. A. Werner & William K. Cornwell & Janet I. Sprent & Jens Kattge & E. Toby Kiers, 2014. "A single evolutionary innovation drives the deep evolution of symbiotic N2-fixation in angiosperms," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-9, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms5087
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5087
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    Cited by:

    1. Giovanni Scarinci & Jan-Luca Ariens & Georgia Angelidou & Sebastian Schmidt & Timo Glatter & Nicole Paczia & Victor Sourjik, 2024. "Enhanced metabolic entanglement emerges during the evolution of an interkingdom microbial community," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.

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