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Abstract

Biodiversity Online J

Revisiting the Axelrod’s Hypothesis: What is the Origin of the Evergreen Sclerophyllous Oaks in the Northern Hemisphere?

  • Martín SR1*, Sancho KD1,2, Peguero Pina JJ1,2 and Gil PE3

    1Department of Agricultural, Center for Agri-Food Research and Technology of Aragon (CITA), Spain

    2Agrifood Institute of Aragon-IA2, CITA-University of Zaragoza, Spain

    3Aula Dei Experimental Station, Higher Council for Scientific Research (EEAD‐CSIC), Spain

    *Corresponding author:Martín Sánchez Rubén, Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Environment Systems, Aragon Agri-Food Research and Technology Center (CITA), Zaragoza, Spain

Submission: December 04, 2024;Published: January 02, 2025

DOI: 10.31031/BOJ.2024.05.000606

ISSN : 2640-9275
Volume5 Issue1

Abstract

Axelrod proposed a hypothesis to explain the origin and evolution of the evergreen sclerophyllous flora in the Northern Hemisphere, suggesting an insitu differentiation of clades at low-mid latitudes during the Cenozoic. This hypothesis highlights a continuous belt of sclerophyllous vegetation that was fragmented over time due to tectonic movements and climatic changes, including cooling and drying. The genus Quercus exhibits numerous sclerophyllous species, which reach their highest diversity in the latitudes he identified. However, the evolutionary histories of the two subgenera within Quercus-the New World and Old-World clades-show distinct patterns. This review examines whether Axelrod’s hypothesis holds true for Quercus by synthesizing recent molecular phylogenies, fossil records, and biogeographic analyses. Findings reveal that while Old World oaks largely align with Axelrod’s hypothesis, the recent diversification of the tropical New-World oaks challenge the framework he proposed.

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