Evolutionary trends and patterns in the Anemoninae

Abstract

On the basis of cpDNA restriction site analyses (HOOT & al. 1994) an improved but still informal hierarchical survey of Anemoninae is presented and combined with diversity and distribution data. Several adaptive syndromes are recognized on the basis of interrelated vegetative, reproductive, cytogenetic and group-organizational aspects. These adaptive patterns or types often include superficially similar species groups from different Anemoninae clades and apparently are the result of the convergent canalizing effect of similar environments and histories during the evolutionary process of eco-geographical radiation. This and several other reasons are discussed as obstacles in matching morphological and molecular data for taxonomic purposes.