Diversity patterns of selected Andean plant groups correspond to topography and habitat dynamics, not orogeny

摘要: The tropical Andes are a hotspot of biodiversity, but detailed altitudinal and latitudinal distribution patterns species poorly understood. We compare the diversity four Andean plant groups on basis georeferenced specimen data: genus Nasa (Loasaceae), two South American sections Ribes (sect. Parilla sect. Andina, Grossulariaceae), clade Urtica (Urticaceae). In Andes, these often grow together, especially in (naturally or anthropogenically) disturbed secondary vegetation at middle to upper elevations. climatic niches studied here relatively similar temperature seasonality, do differ moisture seasonality. Amotape-Huancabamba Zone (AHZ) between 3–8° S shows clear peak overall richness as well for narrowly endemic across studied. For Nasa, we also show particular growth forms AHZ. This can be interpreted proxy high ecological based spatial habitat heterogeneity this zone. Latitudinal ranges generally larger towards margins range group. Species number our taxa elevations 2,500–3,500 m Andes. Altitudinal correspond with slope inclination. hypothesize that likelihood frequency landslides steeper slopes translates into temporal heterogeneity. may causally connected diversification numerous early colonizing taxa, such annual Nasa. contrast earlier hypotheses, uplift history is not reflected pattern retrieved, since AHZ area most recent uplift. Similarly, barrier effect low-lying Huancabamba depression retrieved d