The Strait of Gibraltar as a melting pot for plant biodiversity

摘要: The S Iberian Peninsula and NW Africa constitute one of the main hotspots for plant biodiversity within Mediterranean Basin. At core this hotspot, across Strait Gibraltar, lies a smaller region whose singular Cenozoic history ecological features have created distinct, nested sub-hotspot. In particular, an important relict flora, high endemism, dominance vegetation types other than paradigmatic Mediterranean-type sclerophyllous forests shrublands, are biogeographical paramount relevance. These environments may provided suitable mesic habitats stable human populations in throughout Quaternary. Here we explore possible causes unique region. First, show that endemism is associated with poor soils mild climate, whereas relictness primarily riparian humid which might remained relatively since Late Tertiary. We then review provide new results on lineage molecular diversity some taxa based their evolutionary relationships inferred from phylogenetic phylogeographical analyses. indicate long-lived plants, such as trees, tend to discontinuity effective gene flow, comparison shortlived pioneer plants. Colonization abilities rather dispersal vectors appear be crucial factor. also analyze role microevolutionary processes generate terms reproductive involved formation, breeding system, pollination biology postdispersal regeneration. few available studies prone changes systems, both abiotic biotic conditions plants face during colonization. Dispersal regeneration ecology especially species, most these species (e.g., lack dispersers, predation) (edaphic and/or microclimate requirements) limitations recruitment. Nevertheless current recruitment should not obscure fact they been resilient Plio–Pleistocene climate Gibraltar region, became extinct areas. longterm environment many organisms, including humans.