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Abstract AimIntraspecific genetic variation is key for adaptation and survival in changing environments and is known to be influenced by many factors, including population size, dispersal and life‐history traits. We investigated genetic variation within Neotropical amphibian species to provide insights into how natural history traits, phylogenetic relatedness, climatic and geographic characteristics can explain intraspecific genetic diversity. LocationNeotropics. TaxonAmphibians. MethodsWe assembled data sets using open‐access databases for natural history traits, genetic sequences, phylogenetic trees, climatic and geographic data. For each species, we calculated overall nucleotide diversity (π) and tested for isolation by distance (IBD) and isolation by environment (IBE). We then identified predictors ofπ, IBD and IBE using random forest (RF) regression or RF classification. We also fitted phylogenetic generalized linear mixed models (PGLMMs) to predictπ, IBD and IBE. ResultsWe compiled 4052 mitochondrial DNA sequences from 256 amphibian species (230 frogs and 26 salamanders), georeferencing 2477 sequences from 176 species that were not linked to occurrence data. RF regressions and PGLMMs were congruent in identifying range size and precipitation (σ) as the most important predictors ofπ, influencing it positively. RF classification and PGLMMs identified minimum elevation as an important predictor of IBD; most species without IBD tended to occur at higher elevations. Maximum latitude and precipitation (σ) were the best predictors of IBE, and most species without IBE occur at lower latitudes and in areas with more variable precipitation. Main ConclusionsThis study identified predictors of genetic variation in Neotropical amphibians using both machine learning and phylogenetic methods. This approach was valuable to determine which predictors were congruent between methods. We found that species with small ranges or living in zones with less variable precipitation tended to have low genetic diversity. We also showed that Western Mesoamerica, Andes and Atlantic Forest biogeographic units harbour high diversity across many species that should be prioritized for protection. These results could play a key role in the development of conservation strategies for Neotropical amphibians.
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This content will become publicly available on October 1, 2026
Foliar spectral signatures reveal adaptive divergence in live oaks ( Quercus section Virentes ) across species and environmental niches
Summary Genomic tools have advanced our understanding of species and population structure, but distinguishing neutral from adaptive evolution remains challenging due to limited methods for measuring a broad spectrum of phenotypic traits.We used spectroscopic data from preserved leaves to test for adaptive divergence among populations of live oaks (QuercussectionVirentes), a monophyletic group of seven species that diversified under sympatric, parapatric, and allopatric speciation. We used 427 individuals to test for isolation‐by‐distance (IBD) and isolation‐by‐environment (IBE), as well as the influences of selection and phylogenetic inertia on traits. Finally, we examined how phylogenetic signals are distributed across their foliar reflectance spectra.Partial redundancy analyses revealed that IBE explains more phenotypic variation than IBD among sympatric species, particularly in certain spectral regions and traits derived from spectra. Phylogenetic generalized least squares models show that environmental variables – including minimum temperature of the coldest month and annual precipitation – predict traits related to stress tolerance across climatic gradients, such as lignin concentration and anthocyanin levels.These results demonstrate that foliar reflectance spectra can be used to capture adaptive differentiation and evolutionary history across scales, offering a powerful, nondestructive tool for linking phenotype, environment, and evolutionary processes in long‐lived plant lineages.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2021898
- PAR ID:
- 10695752
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley-Blackwell
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- New Phytologist
- Volume:
- 248
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 0028-646X
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 370 to 388
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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