Article contents
Fern speciation and biogeography
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 December 2011
Synopsis
The most common kinds of speciation result in new species that initially have a small range. These will develop a limited or an extensive range depending upon the geographic extent of the environment to which they are adapted. A significant element in the extent of the potential range of a new species is the adaptation inherited from the parental species. Selection of a parental species for a local environment at one site can lead to a narrow ecological adaptation and often to a limited potential range. These species are likely to produce derived ones that also have a limited range, and these derivates will increase the regional species endemism and diversity. Selection of a parental species for migration to other sites can lead to a broader ecological adaptation and often to a broad potential range. These species are more likely to produce derived ones that also have an extensive range, and these derivates will increase regional species diversity.
- Type
- Research Article
- Information
- Copyright
- Copyright © Royal Society of Edinburgh 1985
References
- 6
- Cited by