Diversification in Ancient and Nutrient-Poor Neotropical Ecosystems: How Geological and Climatic Buffering Shaped Plant Diversity in Some of the World’s Neglected Hotspots

摘要: South America harbors the highest plant diversity on Earth. The causes of such exceptionally high remain poorly understood, despite great attention devoted to ecology and evolution biota in productive geologically recent ecosystems as Amazon forest Andes. Evidence suggests ancient extremely nutrient-poor landscapes are major centers endemism, acted interglacial refugia, but singularities their evolutionary history have been overlooked. Here, we examine what extent Ocbil theory (old, climatically-buffered, infertile landscapes) may prove useful explaining diversification patterns some most diverse Neotropical ecosystems. We propose a theoretical framework that encompasses mechanistic explanation for predictions theory, links ecological processes vegetation functional traits. review population genetics campos rupestres light theory. areas future research will accelerate improve our understanding ancient, vegetation. This knowledge is expected shed complex and, ultimately, provide tools sustainable use conservation.