Sistemática e biogeografia histórica de Nissolia (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae, Dalbergieae): processos evolutivos e padrões de diversificação

The Neotropical region is the most species-rich area in the world, comprising various biomes, ranging from humid tropical forests to deserts. However, the mechanisms that generate and maintain this biodiversity are still debated. Among the formations that make up the Neotropical region, the distribution and evolution of species in dry and seasonally dry environments remain understudied. In particular, Seasonal Dry Tropical Forests (SDTFs) serve as evolutionary and diversity centers that are relatively isolated, varying in size and shape. This suggests that these vegetations have undergone changes over time, influenced by climatic fluctuations across different eras. Despite existing studies on SDTFs that discuss biogeography alongside phylogenetic analyses, such studies remain scarce and primarily focus on tree species, with little known about the origin and distribution of other plant life forms in these ecosystems. Nissolia Jacq. (Leguminosae) comprises 32 species of lianas and scandent to prostrate shrubs widely distributed throughout the Neotropical region, with SDTFs as their main diversity center. Given the richness of Nissolia in these formations, this study aims to conduct a systematic and biogeographical analysis of the genus to investigate its diversification and its relationship with SDTFs, addressing colonization, migration, retention, and speciation events. Additionally, this research seeks to develop a comprehensive taxonomic treatment, including potential nomenclatural updates, identification keys, descriptions, distribution maps, and illustrations, as well as a phylogenomic and historical biogeographic study to clarify past floristic connections and how ancient climatic fluctuations may have influenced the current distribution of Nissolia taxa and SDTFs. This study also aims to reconstruct ancestral character states within the genus to enhance the understanding of the evolutionary processes shaping Nissolia.

Palavras-chave

Botânica - Classificação Leguminosas Biogeografia Botânica - Morfologia Plantas - Filogenia

Idioma

Inglês

Citação

CAMPOS, Renan Pavan. Sistemática e biogeografia histórica de Nissolia (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae, Dalbergieae): processos evolutivos e padrões de diversificação. Orientadora: Ana Paula Fortuna Perez. 2026. Tese (Doutorado em Biologia Vegetal) - Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, 2026.