Using species distribution models to locate the potential cradles of the allopolyploid Gypsophila bermejoi G. López (Caryophyllaceae)

Polyploidy has been an influential force in plant evolution, playing a crucial role in diversification. Differences in polyploid and diploid distributions have been long noted, with polyploid taxa especially abundant in harsh environments. These plants have higher photosynthetic rates and/or higher tolerance to water deficits. Moreover, there is data pointing to an increase in the rate of unreduced gamete formation by plants under conditions of stress. Accordingly, a higher frequency of polyploid individuals would be expected in populations living under extreme environments, a phenomenon that may be relevant when considering the origin of allopolyploid species. Hybridization between distinct autopolyploids is known to produce allopolyploids and hence, a high frequency of compatible autopolyploids in an area could enhance the formation of stable populations of the corresponding allopolyploid hybrid. Here we consider the allopolyploid species Gypsophila bermejoi G. López and its parental taxa G. struthium L. subsp. struthium and G. tomentosa L. We have used Species Distribution Models to locate areas with low bioclimatic suitability for both parental taxa during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), hypothesizing that the rate of tetraploid hybrid formation would be higher than expected where low suitability areas of both parental species overlap. We selected those areas taking into account the strict gypsophyllic nature of these taxa. There is data pointing to a post-glacial origin of the current G. bermejoi populations and according to our hypothesis, such locations could be centers for hybrid tetraploid formation or potential cradles of this species. Indeed, potential Mid-Holocene cradles were also identified in this manner. The evolution of bioclimatic suitability in both LGM and Mid-Holocene cradles was studied to assess the possible survival of the hybrids, and the current distribution of G. bermejoi proved to be consistent with our hypothesis.