Rapid radiations and neoendemism in the madagascan biodiversity hotspot

Abstract

This study recorded evidence for three independent rapid radiations of scaly tree ferns in Madagascar. These three radiations happened in the late Cenozoic and were likely triggered by the fluctuations of the global climate. It is the first report for this kind of relationships of ferns diversity in the Madagascan biodiversity centre and climate change, but it is consistent with similar reports for other species-rich lineages in the megadiverse Madagascan rainforest habitats. Finally, we generated a biogeographic scenario describing the origin of the three Malagasy clades of scaly tree ferns. We also found evidence for range loss as a result of deforestation in historical times. The presented system is an excellent example of the contribution of rapid radiations to the highly threatened biodiversity of Madagascar and adjacent islands.